The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker military aerial refueling aircraft marked its 60 the anniversary with the U.S. Air Force on August 31.
The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker military aerial refueling aircraft marked its 60 the anniversary with the U.S. Air Force on August 31.
The first Stratotanker flew in August of 1956 and was later delivered to USAF's 93rd Air Refueling Squadron in June 1957.
The four engined tanker was based on the Boeing 707 passenger jet and was the first jet powered tanker in USAF fleet, replacing the KC-97 Stratofreighter. In its secondary role, the aircraft can also transport cargo.
Despite being called the 'B-52s Flying Fuel Station' , as initial fleet were tasked to refuel strategic bombers, the aircraft was extensively used during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm to extend range of tactical fighters.
The aircraft supported Strategic Air Command bomber fleet from 1957 to 1992. Following the inactivation the command in 1992, most KC-135s were reassigned to the newly created Air Mobility Command.
The aircraft has set eight world records, including the most distance covered in a closed-circuit without refueling, highest speed for 2,000 km (1,242 miles) and highest speed for 5,000 km (3,106 miles).
NEW on Topic A: Defense: "Celebrating 60 Years of Refueling History" - https://t.co/XIffT9DopJ #KC135 pic.twitter.com/o2JnMy0dFa— Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) August 31, 2016
In 2001 the first KC-135 with the new Multi-Point Refueling System, which included refueling pods on each wingtip, along with the boom, allowed refueling of any type of aircraft on any mission.
Fourteen years later, another upgrade to the aircraft was made, and Fairchild AFB received its first aircraft modified with the Block 45 communications, navigation and surveillance and air traffic management upgrade.
The four CFM-56 turbofan engines 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. Depending on fuel storage configuration, the KC-135 can carry up to 83,000 pounds (37,648 kilograms) or 37 passengers.
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| The first aircraft 55-3118, now at static display at McConnell Air Force Base |
As of May 2014, USAF inventory had 167 on Active duty, 180 with Air National Guard and 67 with Air Force Reserve.
The fleet is supplemented by the triple engined KC-10 Extender tankers. The type will be eventually replaced by the new Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tanker which is scheduled to enter service from 2017.
In 2015, a deployed KC-135 Stratotanker crew responded to a call for help over ISIL-held territory. An F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, who disconnected after receiving fuel from the tanker, alerted the crew that he had a fuel system emergency and was unable to use over 80 percent of his total fuel capability.
The F-16 could only use up to 15 minutes of fuel at a time, so the tanker crew escorted the aircraft out of enemy territory, to allied airspace and back to its base, while refueling every 15 minutes.
