Rajan Wilcox
Aerial tanker aircraft are designed to carry, transport, and perform aerial refuelling. They have a different mission statement to typical transport aircraft, which are primarily used for transporting passengers and cargo. Tanker aircraft have more space allocated for fuel tanks than is required for flight. The Boeing KC-135, for example, is one of the world's longest-serving aerial fuel tankers, with a capacity of up to 200,000 lbs (90,700 kg) of fuel. The KC-135 has been in service with the United States Air Force since 1957 and is expected to remain in operation until at least 2030. The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refuelling capability for the US Air Force, and the newer KC-46A Pegasus Tanker is designed to replace it. The KC-46A delivers more fuel at all ranges and utilises less ramp space than competing tankers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of tanks | 4 body tanks, 6 wing tanks (3 in each wing) |
| Location of tanks | 3 in the lower section (forward, center, and aft tanks), 1 in the upper deck |
| Tank capacity | 200,000 lb (90,700 kg) of fuel in total; Center body tank: 49,000 lb; Wing tanks: 50,000 lb |
| Tank design | Sectional design to prevent fuel sloshing and shift in the center of gravity |
| Tank material | Plastic bladders to reduce vapor hazard and allow for tank collapse as fuel is depleted |
| Pumping system | Integrated pump and pipe system to move fuel from any location to the flying boom |
| Aircraft type | Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, KC-46A Pegasus Tanker, Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT), Water Scoopers, MAFFS-equipped military C-130 aircraft |
| Aircraft capabilities | Aerial refueling, transport of cargo, troops, and vehicles; Firefighting capabilities with water scoopers and MAFFS systems |
| Additional features | Defensive countermeasures, infrared countermeasures, radio frequency warning, night vision lighting, fly-by-wire boom, hose-and-drogue systems |
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What You'll Learn
- The KC-135 Stratotanker holds up to 200,000 lb (90,700 kg) of fuel
- The KC-46A Pegasus Tanker delivers more fuel than the KC-135
- Aerial tanker aircraft have multiple fuel tanks
- Tank trimming: fuel is pumped between tanks to adjust weight distribution
- Tankers can double as medium transports with little modification
The KC-135 Stratotanker holds up to 200,000 lb (90,700 kg) of fuel
The KC-135 Stratotanker is a unique asset that has provided the core aerial refuelling capability for the United States Air Force for over 60 years. The Stratotanker holds up to 200,000 lb (90,700 kg) of fuel.
The Stratotanker's fuel storage system is designed to prevent fuel sloshing during flight, thereby preventing a significant shift in the centre of gravity. The aircraft has four main body tanks: the forward, centre, aft, and upper deck tanks. The forward body tank is subdivided into four sections, the aft body tank into five, and the centre body tank, the largest of the four, contains six sections and can hold nearly 49,000 lb of fuel. The upper deck tank is located just forward of the vertical tail section.
Each of the Stratotanker's wings encompasses three fuel tanks: the inboard wing tank, the outboard wing tank, and the reserve wing tank (the outermost tank towards the wingtip). The wing tanks carry nearly 50,000 lb of fuel and are primarily used to power the aircraft. The fuel in the body and wing tanks is pumped to the aircraft's engines and to the refuelling systems through an integrated pump and pipe system.
The KC-135 Stratotanker's ability to carry a large amount of fuel and perform aerial refuelling enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach. The aircraft's design, with multiple fuel tanks and fuel trimming capabilities, ensures efficient weight distribution and handling characteristics during flight.
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The KC-46A Pegasus Tanker delivers more fuel than the KC-135
The KC-46A Pegasus Tanker is an aircraft designed and built by Boeing to meet the refueling needs of the US Air Force. The KC-46A is designed to replace the KC-135, which has been the primary aerial refueling aircraft for the US Air Force for over 50 years.
The KC-46A can carry 212,299 pounds (96,297 kg) of fuel, which is 10% more than the KC-135. This increased fuel capacity, along with its ability to utilize shorter runways, gives the KC-46A greater refueling capabilities than its predecessor. The KC-46A also has a longer lifespan and reduced airframe corrosion, resulting in lower acquisition, operations, and sustainment costs over its lifetime.
In addition to its increased fuel capacity, the KC-46A offers several other advantages over the KC-135. It provides unmatched tactical situational awareness to the crew and relays real-time data to the fleet. The aircraft is also equipped with defensive countermeasures, including infrared countermeasures, radio frequency warning, and night vision lighting, enhancing its ability to deliver fuel and data at the tactical edge.
The KC-46A is the only tanker that meets the stringent Federal Aviation Administration and US Air Force airworthiness and performance requirements. It has been approved by the US Air Force for all global mission deployments, including combat operations. With its proven boom and hose-and-drogue systems, the KC-46A can refuel all US, allied, and coalition aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures.
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Aerial tanker aircraft have multiple fuel tanks
The lower section of the aircraft contains three more tanks: the forward, centre, and aft tanks. The forward body tank is subdivided into four sections, while the aft body tank is divided into five sections. This design prevents the fuel from sloshing during flight, which could otherwise cause a significant shift in the centre of gravity. The centre body tank is the largest of the three, holding nearly 49,000 pounds of fuel, and contains six sections.
The upper deck of the aircraft also contains a fuel tank, located just forward of the vertical tail section. This tank holds over 144,000 pounds of fuel.
Fuel can be pumped between these tanks to fine-tune the aircraft's weight distribution, a process known as "tank trimming", which is more aerodynamically efficient than elevator trimming. The multiple tanks also provide redundancy, allowing the tanker to remain operational even if one or more tanks are unable to carry fuel due to a leak or pump failure.
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Tank trimming: fuel is pumped between tanks to adjust weight distribution
The amount of fuel a tanker aircraft can hold depends on the model. For example, the KC-46A Pegasus Tanker is a widebody aerial refueler with lower acquisition, operations, and sustainment costs than any other existing model. The KC-46A delivers more fuel at all ranges and from shorter runways than the KC-135, which it replaced. The KC-135 Stratotanker has been providing aerial refueling capabilities to the US Air Force for over 60 years.
The KC-46A is built with defensive countermeasures that strengthen its ability to deliver fuel and data at the tactical edge. It is also the only tanker to meet stringent Federal Aviation Administration and US Air Force airworthiness and performance requirements.
Now, onto the process of tank trimming, which involves pumping fuel between tanks to adjust weight distribution. In aircraft, the fuel system has one purpose: to deliver a steady flow of fuel from the tanks to the engine, regardless of power settings, altitude, or attitude. The system can be gravity-fed or use fuel pumps. High-wing aircraft usually rely on gravity to propel fuel from the tank to the carburetor, while low-wing aircraft and those with fuel-injected engines require an engine-driven pump to move the fuel.
To ensure a steady flow of fuel, aircraft may need to adjust weight distribution by pumping fuel between tanks. This process is known as tank trimming. The pilot can use the fuel selector valve to choose which tank is feeding fuel to the engine. Some systems require the pilot to alternate between the left and right tanks, while others offer a "Both" position. However, even in the "Both" position, some aircraft might favour one side, so the pilot may need to select the appropriate side to rectify any fuel imbalance.
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Tankers can double as medium transports with little modification
Tanker aircraft, such as the KC-46A Pegasus, are designed for aerial refuelling. They can also receive fuel, which extends their range and flexibility. The KC-46A, for example, delivers more fuel than its predecessor, the KC-135, and can utilise shorter runways. The KC-135 has been in service for over 60 years, providing the core aerial refuelling capability for the US Air Force.
The KC-46A is built as a combat-ready tanker, with improved corrosion resistance and reduced operating costs. It features defensive countermeasures, such as infrared and radio frequency capabilities, and night vision lighting for covert operations. With its powerful and fuel-efficient engines, the KC-46A offers unmatched tactical situational awareness and real-time data relay capabilities.
While the primary purpose of tanker aircraft is refuelling, their design often allows for dual functionality. For instance, the KC-135 can carry passengers or small to medium cargo, and the KC-46A can hold 30% more patients than its predecessor. This versatility is a significant advantage, enabling the transportation of personnel, equipment, and supplies in addition to their primary refuelling role.
In the case of naval operations, oil tankers have been modified and utilised as aircraft carriers or support ships. These modified tankers, known as Mobile Landing Platforms (MLPs), provide ample empty space and a sprawling deck for aircraft operations. The US Navy has acquired ships like the John Glenn, which, at 840 feet long, offers significant versatility. With the ability to partially submerge by taking in seawater, the John Glenn can accommodate hovercraft and perform roles such as repair, hospital, or aviation depot support.
The use of tankers as medium transports offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness. By utilising their existing capabilities and making minor modifications, militaries can enhance their operational capabilities without incurring substantial additional costs. This dual functionality of tanker aircraft and ships showcases their adaptability and strategic value in military operations.
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Frequently asked questions
The KC-135 Stratotanker can hold up to 200,000 lb (90,700 kg) of fuel.
Tanker aircraft have multiple fuel tanks lined with plastic bladders. These bladders allow the volume of air in contact with the fuel to be reduced, minimising vapour hazards. The tanks are distributed across the aircraft to prevent a significant shift in the centre of gravity.
The KC-46A Pegasus Tanker can deliver more fuel at all ranges than the KC-135. The KC-46A also has a 30% greater patient capacity than the KC-135.
A single-engine air tanker (SEAT) is the smallest type of air tanker, used to deliver up to 800 gallons of fire retardant or water to combat wildfires.
