Four turbofans, mounted under 35-degree swept wings, power the KC-135 to takeoffs at gross weights of up to 322,500 pounds. A cargo deck above the refueling system can hold a mixed load of ...

If the KC-135s are indeed still in service in the 2050s, “that timeline would put the KC-135’s service life near 100 years,” Air & Space Forces Magazine reported. That’s a long time.

Based on the Boeing 707, the KC-135 is considered by many to be one of the most impressive jets ever designed. Revolutionizing mid-air refueling as the first-ever jet engine-powered tanker ...