Mission
The KC-135 Stratotanker's principal mission is air refueling support to U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and allied aircraft. Its cargo deck is also used to transport cargo and passengers.
Features
Four turbofans, mounted under 35-degree swept wings, power the KC-135. Nearly all internal fuel can be pumped through the tanker's flying boom, the KC-135's primary fuel transfer method. A special shuttlecock-shaped drogue, attached to and trailed behind the flying boom, may be used to refuel aircraft fitted with probes. An operator stationed in the rear of the plane controls the boom.
Background
The Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve are assigned 268 of the Air Mobility Command's 442 Stratotankers. They were built by Boeing and have the same basic design as its 707 passenger planes.
Rickenbacker's fleet of 19 KC-135 aircraft were built in the period between 1957 and 1964. Even though the average plane is more than 40 years old, they have been constantly upgraded with modern technology. In the early to mid-190's, they received brand new, state-of-the-art engines (identical to those used on many new airlines.) In the late 1990's they underwent a cockpit modernization program to improve navigation and communication capabilities. Constant modifications keep the aircraft flying with an incredibly safe and dependable flying record.
General Characteristics of the KC-135R
Primary Function: Aerial refueling Prime Contractor: The Boeing Company
Power Plant: Four CFM- Thrust: 22,000 pounds each engine
International CFM-56 turbofan engines Wingspan: 130 feet, 10 inches
Speed: 530 miles per hour at 30,000 feet; Length: 136 feet, 3 inches
Height: 41 feet, 8 inches Maximum Takeoff Weight: 322,500 pounds
Range: 1,500 miles with 150,000 pounds of Maximum Transfer Fuel Load: 200,000 pounds
transfer fuel; ferry mission, up to 11,015 miles Unit Cost: $52.2 million (FY96 constant dollars)
Inventory: Active duty, 174; ANG and Crew: Three
Reserve, 268