Boeing, McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III, KC-135 Stratotanker · PlaneSpot

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shaydis13 🇺🇸

05 Apr 2026 · © shaydis13

KC-135R and C-17 do a break over the 2022 Huntington Beach Airshow.

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Aircraft

C-17 Globemaster III, KC-135 Stratotanker C17, KC135

United States Air Force grey military livery

Airline

United States Air Force

Manufacturer

Boeing, McDonnell Douglas

Gear

Nikon D800 200-500mm

Achievements

Cargo King, Vintage Voyager, Winglet Watcher, Boeing Beginner, Military Maverick

5 badges earned

Location

Los Alamitos Army Air Field

KSLI

33.7909, -118.0500

Open map

Los Alamitos Army Air Field KSLI

Insights

Aviation History

Both the C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratotanker are iconic United States Air Force transport and aerial refueling aircraft, crucial for U.S. military operations worldwide.

Fleet Rarity

KC-135: Fewer than 400 active; C-17: about 275 built and just over 220 active worldwide.

Record Flights

KC-135 Stratotanker was vital in historic non-stop transoceanic air refuelings; C-17 has been used for rapid global airlift missions.

Safety & Events

KC-135 has served since the late 1950s, with notable Cold War and Gulf War service. C-17 has been flown in major recent US airlift operations.

Future Outlook

KC-135: Active but being gradually replaced by KC-46; C-17: Active with US and allied air forces.

Specifications

C-17: Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 (PW2040); KC-135: CFM International CFM56 (KC-135R) or Pratt & Whitney TF33 (KC-135E)

Engine

C-17: 51.75 m; KC-135: 39.88 m

Wingspan

C-17: 53.04 m; KC-135: 41.53 m

Length

C-17: 4,482 km (typ cargo), up to 10,390 km ferry; KC-135: 12,000 km

Range

C-17: 830 km/h; KC-135: 853 km/h

Speed

C-17: 77,519 kg cargo or up to 134 troops; KC-135: up to 200,000 lbs fuel (90,719 kg)

Capacity

C-17: 265,352 kg; KC-135: 146,285 kg

MTOW

C-17: 16.79 m; KC-135: 12.7 m

Height

C-17: 4x 180 kN (728 kN total); KC-135R: 4x 98 kN (392 kN total)

Thrust