Overview
The KC-135 was the US Air Force's first jet-powered tanker. It shares its basic design with the Boeing 707 airliner, and 803 were built between 1956 and 1965. A crew member lying in the tail steers a long "flying boom" into the receiving aircraft to pass fuel.
Most survivors were re-engined as the KC-135R (figures shown) with quieter, more efficient CFM turbofans. Some are expected to keep flying until about 2040, making them over 80 years old. Range shown is with 68 tonnes of fuel to transfer.
Specifications
Dimensions
| Length | 41.53 m |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 39.88 m |
| Height | 12.70 m |
| Wing area | 226.0 m² |
Weights & fuel
| Empty weight | 44,663 kg |
|---|---|
| Max. take-off weight | 146,284 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 113,000 L |
Performance
| Max. speed | 933 km/h |
|---|---|
| Cruise speed | 853 km/h |
| Range | 2,420 km |
| Ferry range | 17,760 km |
| Service ceiling | 15,200 m |
Crew & capacity
| Crew | 3 |
|---|
Powerplant
| Engines | 4 |
|---|---|
| Engine model | CFM International F108-CF-100 |
| Thrust (each) | 96.0 kN |
Figures are compiled from public sources and may be approximate; they can vary by variant and configuration.
Photos
Photo 1: Locoscoutla / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Some text and images come from Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA licences.
