Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker Inflight Refueling Special Purpose Aircraft (1956)
Systems such as the KC-135 have evolved air combat throughout the decades.
Inflight refueling was pioneered in the Cold War and streamlined with the arrival of the larger jet-powered aircraft. The result allowed military warplanners an unprecedented global reach when dictating actions of their forces. To this day, inflight refueling remains a large part of the successes of any one air force, especially when dealing with activities over large distances. It also takes a steady hand and eye for airmen and tanker crews alike to complete the precision process.
Design work began in the early 1950's to fulfill a USAF requirement for an inflight refueler with jet-powered capabilities. The result became the 367-80 demonstrator that furthermore became the KC-135. The KC-135 featured tanking equipment and an all-Boeing powered boom. Fuel was carried in the belly and wing elements and power was generated by use of four J57 powerplants. The system was generally crewed by three personnel though additions could be made when mission-specific (5 are utilized in the MEDEVAC role for instance).
Re-engining programs and system and software upgrades have propelled the KC-135 series into the new millennium. The system is still a large factor in global operations of the USAF and increases the reach of all aircraft on sortie. Other nations utilize the KC-135 as well, though it has not had quite the impact anywhere else as it has had for US forces traveling the globe.
Special thanks to Anthony S of the Boeing Corporation for his input. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker
Inflight Refueling Special Purpose Aircraft
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: The Boeing Company - USA
Initial Year of Service: 1956
Production: 422
Focus Model: Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker
Crew: 3
Length: 136.25ft (41.53m)
Width: 130.84ft (39.88m)
Height: 41.67ft (12.70m)
Weight (Empty): 106,307lbs (48,220kg)
Weight (MTOW): 322,503lbs (146,285kg)
Powerplant: 4 x CFM F108 turbofan engines generating 22,000lbs of thrust each.
Maximum Speed: 610mph (982kmh; 530kts)
Maximum Range: 2,880miles (4,635km)
Service Ceiling: 41,719ft (12,716m; 7.9miles)
Rate-of-Climb: 1,290 feet per minute (393m/min)
Hardpoints: 0
Armament Suite:
None.
Variants:
367-80 - Demonstrator Model Designation
KC-135A - Initial USAF Production Model Designation fitted with J57 turbojets.
KC-135E - Re-engined Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units fitted with TF33 turbofans.
KC-135FR - Re-engined C-135F Models for French export.
KC-135Q - Modified KC-135 systems to refuel the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (56 converted as such).
KC-135T - Re-engined KC-135Q models with F108 powerplants.
KC-135R - Base KC-135 models re-engined with CFM International F108 (CFM56) turbofan engines.
C-135 - Military Transport Variant Series Designation.
C-135F - French Export Variants of which 12 delivered; later re-engined with F108 powerplants becoming KC-135FR designations.
707 - Civilian Transport Variant Model Designation.
Operators: France; Singapore; Turkey; United States
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