The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an American military aerial refueling tanker aircraft that was developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype, alongside the Boeing 707 airliner. It has a narrower fuselage and is shorter than the 707.

The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years. This unique asset enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach.

The re-engined tanker, designated either the KC-135R or KC-135T, can offload 50 percent more fuel, is 25 percent more fuel efficient, costs 25 percent less to operate and is 96 percent quieter than the KC-135A. The 434th Air Refueling Wing is …

Mar 20, 2025 · As tanker plans remains uncertain, today’s Air Force refuelers may fly past their 100th birthday The service may need to look at a service life extension of the KC-135, Air Mobility Command says.

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 passengers and cargo.

Aug 13, 2018 · The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years. This unique asset enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach.

The mainstay of the U.S. Air Force’s strategic aerial refueling fleet, the KC-135 Stratotanker is a military version of the 1950s-era 707 commercial passenger jet.

The KC-135 ranks among the U.S. Air Force’s most iconic aircraft. First delivered to the USAF in June 1957, the KC-135 operated for over sixty years as the USAF’s principal refueling aircraft.

Dec 2, 2016 · Four turbofans, mounted under 35-degree swept wings, power the KC-135 to takeoffs at gross weights up to 322,500 pounds (146,285 kilograms). Nearly all internal fuel can be pumped through the tanker’s flying boom, the KC-135’s primary fuel transfer method.

The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 50 years. This unique asset enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach.