Boeing EC-135K 55-3118 8th Tactical Deployment Control Squadron

These are 1/72 scale decals for Boeing EC-135K 55-3118, assigned to the 8th Tactical Deployment Control Squadron (TDCS).

The EC-135K was a specialized variant of the Stratolifter modified to serve as an airborne command and control platform for tactical fighter deployments — specifically, to lead and coordinate long-range transoceanic ferry flights of tactical aircraft that lacked the navigation systems or range to make such crossings independently. The EC-135K provided navigation guidance, communications relay, and command authority for the fighter formations it shepherded, acting as a flying control tower and pathfinder rolled into one.

The 8th Tactical Deployment Control Squadron was the Air Force unit tasked with managing these complex mass deployment operations, moving fighter wings rapidly across oceans in support of contingency operations and exercises. During the Vietnam War era and throughout the Cold War, the ability to rapidly reinforce overseas theaters with tactical airpower was a cornerstone of U.S. strategy — and the EC-135K and the 8th TDCS were the quiet professionals who made those deployments possible. Serial 55-3118 wears the standard natural metal finish typical of USAF special mission C-135 variants of the period.

A distinctive and seldom-modeled C-135 variant for the serious special mission or Cold War airlift collection. Please allow some time for decal printing and shipping.