Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker

Cundy88 🇬🇧

15 Jul 2026 · © Cundy88

57-1499 departing RAF Mildenhall 22nd June 2026

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General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) F-16 Fighting Falcon

Aircraft

KC-135 Stratotanker KC135

US Air Force Grey

57-1499

Registration

Airline

United States Air Force

USAF

Manufacturer

Boeing

Gear

Canon 1200D 77-300mm

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Boeing Beginner, Military Maverick

4 badges earned

Photo grade

Bronze

Score: 78.0

Nice blue-sky shot; slightly soft on details but strong profile and empty background support the military tanker well.

Location

Roadside - Field Road

RAF Mildenhall · MHZ/EGUN · Runway 10

52.3560, 0.5145

Open map

RAF Mildenhall MHZ

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is the U.S. Air Force\'s primary aerial refueling tanker since the late 1950s and an essential enabler of long-range air operations.

Fleet Rarity

Fewer than 400 KC-135s remain in active service worldwide.

Record Flights

KC-135s have enabled record-setting non-stop flights via in-air refueling for military and NASA projects.

Safety & Events

The KC-135 has experienced non-fatal incidents, occasionally featured in emergency landings. Some airframes involved in pivotal Cold War missions.

Future Outlook

KC-135s are being gradually replaced by the KC-46 Pegasus, but many remain in long-term service; some airframes likely to be preserved in museums.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojets

Engine

39.88 meters

Wingspan

41.53 meters

Length

2,419 km (with max transfer fuel)

Range

855 km/h

Speed

Crew of 3; up to 90,719 kg fuel cargo

Capacity

146,285 kg

MTOW

12.7 meters

Height

56 kN (12,500 lbf) per engine

Thrust

ICAO Chapter 2 (older jet, non-compliant for newer noise standards)

Noise