KC-135A STRATOTANKER MODEL

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is the only aerial refueling tanker and transport aircraft. The aircraft can also carry passengers or cargo as all the refueling equipment is below the main cabin deck. KC-135 made its first flight on August 17, 1956. The KC-135 served in combat during the Vietnam Conflict and Desert Storm. It also provided refueling support for many operations, both military and humanitarian, such as Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. It has been in service with the U.S. Air Force since 1957 and still serves as the backbone of Americas tanker fleet.

The KC-135A variant first flew on August 31, 1956 and the initial production Stratotanker was delivered to Castle Air Force Base, Calif., in June 1957. The KC-135A entered service with the U.S. Air Force on 28 June 1957. The last KC-135 was delivered to the Air Force in 1965.

Of the original KC-135As, more than 410 have been modified with new CFM-56 engines produced by CFM-International. The re-engined tanker, designated either the KC-135R or KC-135T, can offload 50 percent more fuel, is 25 percent more fuel efficient, costs 25 percent less to operate and is 96 percent quieter than the KC-135A.