Israel Defense Forces Shares A Rare Look Inside Its Boeing 707 Re’em Tankers

Israel provided a rare sight inside its Boeing 707 “Re’em” refueling aircraft, including a closer look at the remote vision system (RVS) utilized by the refueling boom operator.

his device allows the operator to monitor the plane’s rear while expertly manipulating the boom, which is used to transfer gasoline to other planes in midair.

A glimpse inside Israel’s Boeing 707 refuelers

The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) recently released a video showcasing the remote vision system of the Israeli Air Force (IAF) 707.

This was first reported by The War Zone. The RVS instruments, which include a single screen surrounded by numerous controls, appear to be totally analog considering the 707’s age.

Interestingly, the device supports foot-operated communications, which allows the operator to converse without using either of their hands. This useful feature allows the boom operator to continue the delicate operation of guiding the boom.

The RVS is supported by two huge cameras located in the aircraft’s tail, and, similar to the US’s KC-46 Pegasus platform, operators must wear 3D goggles to use the system’s dual 2D/3D architecture.

The video also shows the aircraft’s fuel tanks, which are stowed in the hold. These tanks are removable, allowing the 707 tankers to serve as cargo aircraft if necessary—they can even be outfitted with passenger seats.

Israel hasn’t revealed much about its refuelers, although it did provide a sneak peek last summer in a separate video. On that occasion, the IDF released a video of a long-range strike mission against Houthi rebels in Yemen, including brief footage of a 707 tanker replenishing Israel’s F-35 fleet in flight.

With its 707 tankers nearing the end of their service years, Israel appears to be less secretive about the platform. The country plans to replace its aged airframes with the KC-46 Pegasus, which is currently flown by the United States and Japan.

About Israel’s ‘Re’em’ fleet

Israel has been operating its current fleet of 707 tankers for more than 40 years, with the first aircraft entering service in 1978.

With some tankers over 50 years old, the IAF has already decommissioned certain airframes and supposedly has seven tankers in service today. The tankers are referred to locally as “Re’em,” which meaning Oryx, a sort of antelope.

They are used for more than just refueling; in addition to their transport capabilities, each tanker may serve as a command and control station and has a communications suite.

However, these aircraft have only a limited lifespan before being phased out in favor of the KC-46. Israel confirmed an order for two KC-46 tankers in 2021, with plans to buy up to eight airframes in total. Along with its 707 refuelers, Israel has seven KC-130H Hercules aircraft.

The KC-46 Pegasus, based on the Boeing 767 airframe, has already entered service in the United States and Japan. However, it has encountered significant challenges with its own remote vision technology, necessitating a total revamp.

The first device struggled to react to the sun and shadows, prompting concerns about mishaps in midair. A revised ‘RVS 2.0’ is still being built and is two years behind schedule, with an estimated entry into service in 2026.

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