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