Boeing-KC-135R-Stratotanker--717-148

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The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is a military aerial refuelling aircraft. It and the Boeing 707 airliner were developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype

. The KC-135 was the US Air Force's first jet-powered refuelling tanker and replaced the KC-97 Stratotanker.

The KC-135 was initially tasked to refuel strategic bombers, but was used extensively in the Vietnam War and later conflicts such as Operation Desert Storm to extend the range and endurance of US tactical fighters and bombers.

The KC-135 entered service with the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1957; it is one of six military fixed-wing aircraft with over 50 years of continuous service with its original operator.

The KC-135 is supplemented by the larger KC-10. Despite increased maintenance costs, studies conclude many of the aircraft could be flown until 2040. The aircraft will eventually be replaced by the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus
.
General characteristics

• Crew: three: pilot, co-pilot and boom operator. (Some KC-135 missions require the addition of a navigator.)
• Capacity: 37 passengers
• Payload: 83,000 lb (37,600 kg)
• Length: 136 ft 3 in (41.53 m)
• Wingspan: 130 ft 10 in (39.88 m)
• Height: 41 ft 8 in (12.70 m)
• Wing area: 2,433 ft² (226 m²)
• Empty weight: 98,466 lb (44,663 kg)
• Loaded weight: 297,000 lb (135,000 kg)
• Useful load: 200,000 lb (90,700 kg)
• Max. takeoff weight: 322,500 lb (146,000 kg)
• Powerplant: 4 × CFM International CFM56 (F108-CF-100) turbofan, 21,634lbf (96.2 kN) each
• Maximum Fuel Load: 200,000 lb (90,719 kg)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 580 mph (933 km/h)
• Cruise speed: 530 mph (853 km/h) at 30,000 feet (9,144 m)
• Range: 1,500 mi (2,419 km)with 150,000 lb (68,039 kg) of transfer fuel
• Ferry range: 11,015 mi (17,766 km)
• Service ceiling: 50,000 ft (15,200 m)
• Rate of climb: 4,900 ft/min (1,490 m/min)