KC-135 Stratotanker Image Gallery
The KC-135's primary function is aerial refueling, it uses a flying boom to transfer the fuel. A drogue can be attached to the boom, to refuel aircraft fitted with probes.
Besides being a refueler, the aicraft can also transport cargo and passengers above its refueling system.
Of the 732 KC-135's, buid between 1957 and 1965, 530 are still in service, and have been upgraded serveral times with new wing surfaces and engines.
KC-135 Stratotanker Images:
(click on the title or image to expand, images open in a new window)
Over the Yukon River, Alaska -- Three F-15 Eagles from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada's 65th Aggressors Squadron receives fuel from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, from Kadena Air Force Base, Japan while flying over the Upper Yukon area of the interior of Alaska. The aircraft, along with over 120 others, are in Alaska as part of the Northern Edge 08. NE08 is a joint training exercise that provides effective, flexible and capabilities-centered joint forces ready for deployment worldwide and enables real world proficiency in detections and tracking of units at sea, in the air, and on land in response to multiple crises. Over 5,000 service members and 120 aircraft are involved in the exercise that is schedule for May 5 – 16. Photo by Master Sgt Keith Brown
Source: US Air Force
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An F/A-18C, assigned to the "Knighthawks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, takes on fuel from an Air Force KC-135 tanker over Iraq during a Close Air Support (CAS) mission in support of U.S. and coalition ground forces. VFA-136 is assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 embarked aboard the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). The Enterprise Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in support of maritime operations and the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Peter Scheu
Source: US Navy
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A KC-135R Stratotanker flies in formation with two A-10 Warthog IIs from the 355th Fighter Squadron May 29 near Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The three aircraft assigned to Eielson AFB flew in formation for the last time due to the deactivation of the 355th FS and 18th FS. The tanker is assigned to the Alaska Air National Guard's 168th Air Refueling Wing. The KC-135R along with tankers from Grand Forks AFB, N.D., and MacDill AFB, Fla., are providing air refueling support to aircraft for the joint exercise Red Flag-Alaska, lasting through June 8. U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Rob Wieland
Source: US Air Force
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A KC-135R Stratotanker flies in formation with two F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 18th Fighter Squadron and two A-10 Wathog IIs from the 355th FS May 29 near Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The five aircraft assigned to Eielson AFB flew in formation for the last time due to the deactivation of the 355th FS and the 18th FS. The tanker is assigned to the Alaska Air National Guard's 168th Air Refueling Wing. The KC-135R along with tankers from Grand Forks AFB, N.D., and MacDill AFB, Fla., are providing air refueling support to aircraft for the joint exercise Red Flag-Alaska, lasting through June 8. U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Rob Wieland
Source: US Air Force
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Air Force officials are looking at proposals for a new strategic refueling aircraft, referred to as the KC-X, to replace the aging KC-135 Stratotanker.
Source: US Air Force
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- Pentagon Reopens $35 billion KC-X Tanker Contest
- Top acquisition official: Tanker acquisition top priority
- Northrop Grumman Statement Regarding DoD Tanker Decision
- Boeing Statement on Pentagon Decision to Reopen KC-X Tanker Bid
- Pentagon Reopens Bidding on Tanker Contract
- Boeing Statement on GAO Tanker Protest Report
- Northrop Grumman Stands Ready to Support Air Force Tanker Decision
- Korea, U.S. join forces for Exercise Max Thunder
- Boeing, Northrop Statements on GAO Decision
- GAO Recommends USAF to Reopen KC-X Tanker Bid Process
- U.S. Air Force's Second KC-45 Tanker Airframe Completes Test Flights
- Name the Tanker: Leaders seek inputs from Airmen
- Groundbreaking for the KC-45 Tanker Manufacturing Facilities Set for June 28
- Alaska ANG KC-135s provide 'edge' anytime, anywhere
- Boeing KC-767 Tanker: 'Sized Right for the Fight'
- Northrop Grumman KC-45: Why We Won - Versatility
- Boeing: KC-767 Tanker Adds Up to Best Value for Warfighter, Taxpayers
- Boeing KC-767 Tanker Determined More Survivable in USAF Evaluation
- Boeing: Study Projects That As Oil Prices Climb, 767 Tanker Most Cost Efficient
- Boeing Protests U.S. Air Force Tanker Contract Award
