Rajan Wilcox
The KC-135 Stratotanker is an aerial tanker that has been in use by the USAF for over 60 years. It is one of nine military fixed-wing aircraft that have been in continuous service with their original operator for more than 60 years. The KC-135 provides the core aerial refuelling capability for the United States Air Force. The fuel load of the KC-135 can be up to 150,000 lb of transfer fuel, and it can carry up to 83,000 lb of cargo or 80 passengers. The KC-135 has four turbofan engines and a gross weight of up to 322,500 lb.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Years of service | Entered service in 1957 and has been in continuous service for over 60 years |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Number in service | Over 500 |
| Engine | Pratt & Whitney J57-P-59W turbojet engines |
| Thrust | 10,000 lbf (44 kN) of thrust dry, and approximately 13,000 lbf (58 kN) of thrust wet |
| Fuel capacity | 80-pound fuel cells hold seven tons of fuel, for a total capacity of 83,000 pounds (37,648 kg) |
| Fuel transfer method | Flying boom and a special shuttlecock-shaped drogue |
| Fuel type | JP-4/5 and high-flashpoint JP-7 |
| Modifications | KC-135E, KC-135R, and KC-135T |
| Speed | 530 mph at 30,000 ft |
| Range | 1,500 miles with 150,000 lb transfer fuel, up to 11,015 miles for ferry missions |
| Ceiling | 50,000 ft |
| Crew | Four, including two pilots, a navigator, and a boom operator |
| Cockpit upgrades | Block 45 cockpit upgrades for improved engine instrumentation, radar altimeter, advanced autopilot, and modern flight director |
| Additional features | Large-Aircraft IR Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system for high-threat missions, multipoint refueling system for simultaneous refueling of two aircraft |
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What You'll Learn
- The KC-135's fuel cells are made of nylon fabric, weighing 80 pounds, and can hold seven tons of fuel
- The KC-135R has four turbofan engines, which enable take-off at gross weights of up to 322,500 pounds
- KC-135 fuel offloading rate: 6,500 pounds per minute
- KC-135 fuel transfer method: the tanker's flying boom, controlled by a boom operator
- KC-135 fuel capacity: up to 83,000 pounds of cargo or 80 passengers
The KC-135's fuel cells are made of nylon fabric, weighing 80 pounds, and can hold seven tons of fuel
The KC-135 Stratotanker is an American military aerial refueling tanker aircraft that has been in use for over 60 years. The fuel cells of the KC-135 are made of nylon fabric, weighing 80 pounds each, and can hold seven tons of fuel. This makes the KC-135 a highly capable refueling aircraft, with the ability to provide fuel to multiple receivers.
The KC-135 was developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype and is similar in appearance to the Boeing 707 jet airliner, but with a narrower fuselage and a shorter length. It was purchased in the late 1950s and early 1960s as an interim solution while the Air Force developed a dedicated tanker for escorting bombers on strategic missions. Despite being an interim solution, the KC-135 has proven to be a versatile and long-lasting aircraft, seeing extensive use in various conflicts, including the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm.
The KC-135 has undergone several modifications over the years to improve its performance and fuel efficiency. The modified versions, such as the KC-135R and KC-135E, have increased fuel offload capabilities and are more fuel-efficient than their predecessors. These modifications have also reduced noise levels and improved operational ranges.
The KC-135's fuel cells, made of nylon fabric, play a crucial role in its refueling capabilities. The nylon fabric is thin, yet durable, allowing for a lightweight construction that maximizes fuel capacity. The fuel cells are designed to hold a significant amount of fuel, enabling the KC-135 to effectively refuel multiple aircraft during its missions.
The KC-135 Stratotanker, with its nylon fabric fuel cells, has revolutionized aerial refueling and extended the range and endurance of US tactical fighters and bombers. Its ability to carry and offload large quantities of fuel has made it a valuable asset to the US Air Force for over six decades.
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The KC-135R has four turbofan engines, which enable take-off at gross weights of up to 322,500 pounds
The KC-135 is a military aircraft that has been in use for over 60 years, providing aerial refuelling for the United States Air Force. The KC-135R is a variant of the aircraft that is equipped with four turbofan engines. These engines enable the aircraft to take off at gross weights of up to 322,500 pounds (146,300 kg).
The KC-135R's four turbofan engines are mounted under its 35-degree swept wings. The engines produce a significant amount of thrust, allowing the aircraft to achieve high take-off weights. The original engines of the KC-135 produced around 10,000-13,000 lbf of thrust. However, the KC-135R's turbofan engines offer a significant increase in performance, with each engine generating 21,634 lbf of thrust. This enhanced engine performance enables the KC-135R to handle much higher take-off weights compared to earlier versions of the aircraft.
The KC-135R's high take-off weight capacity is further enhanced by its fuel system. The aircraft features integral wing tanks between the spars and additional tanks in the lower lobe of the fuselage, totalling 22 tanks. These fuel cells are made of thin, lightweight nylon fabric, allowing for efficient fuel storage. The fuel system is managed from the cockpit by the co-pilot, who can offload fuel at a rate of 6,500 pounds (2,948 kg) per minute. This efficient fuel management system, combined with the powerful turbofan engines, enables the KC-135R to achieve its impressive take-off weight capabilities.
In addition to its high take-off weight capacity, the KC-135R offers significant improvements in fuel efficiency and offload capacity compared to earlier versions of the KC-135. The KC-135R can offload 50% more fuel and is 25% more fuel-efficient than the KC-135A. This increased fuel efficiency allows the aircraft to travel longer distances and support extended missions. The KC-135R also features a cargo deck above the refueling facility, which can accommodate passengers and cargo, further enhancing its versatility.
The KC-135R's four turbofan engines, combined with its advanced fuel system and efficient fuel management capabilities, enable it to excel in its role as an aerial refuelling platform for the United States Air Force. With a maximum take-off weight of up to 322,500 pounds, the KC-135R can carry a significant fuel load, making it a vital asset for aerial refuelling operations and supporting the Air Force's global missions.
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KC-135 fuel offloading rate: 6,500 pounds per minute
The KC-135 Stratotanker is a military fixed-wing aircraft that was purchased by the Air Force in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It entered service with the USAF in 1957 and is one of nine military fixed-wing aircraft with over 60 years of continuous service with its original operator. The KC-135 is primarily used for the refueling of strategic long-range bombers and can offload fuel at a rate of 6,500 pounds (2,948 kg) per minute. This high offloading rate is facilitated by the KC-135's ability to pump nearly all of its internal fuel through its flying boom, the aircraft's primary fuel transfer method.
The KC-135's fuel system is managed from the cockpit by the co-pilot. The fuel cells in the tanker are made of nylon fabric less than one-sixteenth of an inch thick. A fuel cell weighing 80 pounds will hold seven tons of fuel. The KC-135 features integral wing tanks between the spars, and additional tanks in the lower lobe of the fuselage, for a total of 22 tanks.
The KC-135 has undergone several modifications and upgrades over the years to improve its performance and efficiency. For example, the KC-135E modification resulted in a 14% increase in fuel efficiency and a 20% increase in fuel offloading on long-duration flights compared to the KC-135A. Additionally, the KC-135R modification, which includes new CFM56 engines, allows the aircraft to offload 50% more fuel and is 25% cheaper to operate and 96% quieter than the KC-135A.
The KC-135 has a maximum fuel load capacity of 202,800 pounds of JP-4 jet fuel, most of which can be used for global refueling missions. The aircraft's high fuel capacity and efficient offloading rate have made it a crucial asset for aerial refueling operations, supporting various military aircraft, including the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter.
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KC-135 fuel transfer method: the tanker's flying boom, controlled by a boom operator
The KC-135 Stratotanker is a long-range, high-altitude, high-speed jet transport aircraft that has been in service with the USAF since 1957, providing core aerial refuelling capabilities. The KC-135's primary method of fuel transfer is through its tanker's flying boom, which is controlled by a boom operator.
The flying boom is a long, extendable metal arm attached to the rear underside of the tanker. The boom operator, lying prone in the rear of the aircraft, controls the boom by viewing through a window at the bottom of the tail. The KC-135 boom operator's station and flying boom are similar to those of its predecessor, the KC-97. The KC-97, however, had a mixed gasoline/kerosene fuel system, which was not ideal, and its slower speed made it challenging for newer jet-powered aircraft to mate with its boom.
The KC-135's flying boom can offload fuel at 6,500 pounds per minute. A special shuttlecock-shaped drogue can be attached to the boom, allowing refuelling of aircraft fitted with probes. This method is less forgiving of pilot error in the receiving aircraft compared to conventional trailing hose arrangements. Additionally, the KC-135 can also refuel probe-equipped aircraft using a drogue attached to the boom on the ground.
The boom operator crew position was established in 1948 when Boeing developed the flying boom for the USAF. This position is unique to USAF tankers equipped with a flying boom, such as the KC-135, KC-10, and the newer KC-46. Boom operators undergo extensive training, including a month of flying tanker training and three weeks of survival training, followed by specialised training at Altus Air Force Base for KC-135 Stratotanker operators.
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KC-135 fuel capacity: up to 83,000 pounds of cargo or 80 passengers
The KC-135 Stratotanker is a military fixed-wing aircraft that has been in service with the USAF since 1957. It is primarily used for aerial refuelling and has the capacity to carry and transfer large amounts of fuel.
The KC-135 can carry up to 83,000 pounds of cargo or 80 passengers, depending on its fuel storage configuration. It features integral wing tanks between the spars and additional tanks in the lower lobe of the fuselage, totalling 22 tanks. The fuel cells are made of thin nylon fabric, with a cell weighing 80 pounds capable of holding seven tons of fuel. The fuel system is managed from the cockpit by the co-pilot, who can offload fuel at a rate of 6,500 pounds per minute.
The KC-135 has undergone various modifications and upgrades over the years to improve its performance and efficiency. The KC-135E model, for example, was 14% more fuel-efficient than the KC-135A and could offload 20% more fuel on long-duration flights. More recently, some KC-135s have been re-engined with CFM International CFM56 turbofan engines, resulting in a 100% increase in thrust compared to the original J57 engine.
The KC-135 is powered by four turbofan engines, enabling it to reach gross weights of up to 322,500 pounds. It has a maximum speed of 530 mph at 30,000 feet and a range of 1,500 miles with 150,000 pounds of transfer fuel. The aircraft has a crew of four, including two pilots, a navigator, and a boom operator who controls the fuel transfer during in-flight refuelling.
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Frequently asked questions
The KC-135 can carry up to 150,000 lb of transfer fuel.
The KC-135 can offload fuel at a rate of 6,500 lb (2,948 kg) per minute.
The KC-135R can carry 50% more fuel than the KC-135A.
