The KC-135 Stratotanker’s primary mission is to refuel long-range bombers. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied aircraft. The KC-135 is also capable of transporting litter and ambulatory patients using patient support pallets during aeromedical evacuations.

Official Designation KC-135R Stratotanker
Primary Role Aerial refueling
National Origin USA
Original Contractor The Boeing Company
Operator United States Air Force
Wingspan 130 feet, 10 inches (39.87m)
Length 136 feet, 3 inches (41.51m)
Height at Tail 41 feet, 8 inches (12.69m)
Cargo Hold Length: 84 feet, 4 inches (25.69m);
Width: 10 feet, 9 inches (3.29m);
Height: 6 feet, 6 inches (1.99m)
Armament None
Engines Four CFM-International F108-CF-100 turbofans
Thrust 22,224 pounds (98.86kN) per engine
Cruise Speed 530 mph (853km/h; Mach 0.71)
Max Speed 600 mph (966km/h; Mach 0.80)
Range 9,732 nm (18,024km) with 120,000 pounds (54,431kg) of transfer fuel; Unlimited with inflight refueling
Service Ceiling 40,000 feet (12,192m)
Operating Weight 119,231 pounds (54,082kg)
Fuel Capacity
(all tanks and bladders) 203,000 pounds (92,079kg)
Max Payload 83,000 pounds (37,648kg)
Max Takeoff Weight 322,500 pounds (146,284kg)
Basic Crew Four (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, boom operator)
Date Deployed August 1965
Total in Service Over 500 aircraft (all models)

credit: New Jersey National Guard

Located in Christchurch at the former RNZAF Base at Wigram, the Air Force Museum of New Zealand provides a fascinating insight into the history of the RNZAF from its formation to the present day. With over 28 beautifully restored aircraft on display, interactive exhibitions and even a flight simulator. The Museum also has a Mosquito Flight Simulator, which features a mission based on the Allied bombing of German battleships in the Norwegian fiords.

Air Force Museum

Air Force Museum

Avro 626

McDonnell Douglas A-4C Skyhawk

McDonnell Douglas A-4C Skyhawk

McDonnell Douglas A-4C Skyhawk

North Americam P-51D Mustang

Grumman TBF-1C Avenger

Grumman TBF-1C Avenger

Douglas Dakota.DC 3

Douglas Dakota.DC 3

De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver

Bleriot Britannia

De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth

Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk

De Havilland DH100 Vampire

De Havilland DH100 Vampire

English Electric

credit: Bernard Spragg

After the U-2 entered service in 1955 the CIA already planed its eventual replacement. The result was the Lockheed A-12 Blackbird and later the larger Lockheed SR-71. But Lockheed company were not the only company the CIA approached to developed the U-2 replacement. The second company Convair came up with an unusual and innovative proposal known as the Convair Fish and Superfish, but it never entered operational service.

credit: james.gordon6108