Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker

2h ago · © Jordan Jones

Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 57-1462 working the pattern at Tinker Air Force Base under the callsign JAKE11 on August 5, 2026.

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

Aircraft

KC-135R Stratotanker KC-135R

57-1462

Registration

Airline

United States Air Force

USAF

Manufacturer

Boeing

Gear

NIKON CORPORATION NIKON Z5_2 NIKON NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Boeing Beginner, Military Maverick, First Catch

5 badges earned

Photo grade

Bronze

Score: 79.0

Profile shot catches full KC-135 on approach, but harsh sun flattens the light and reduces detail in shadowed areas.

Location

Tinker Air Force Base

TIK/KTIK

35.4147, -97.3866

Open map

Tinker Air Force Base TIK

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

A legendary aerial refueling tanker, derived from the Boeing 367-80 prototype. The KC-135 has been the U.S. Air Force\'s principal tanker since the late 1950s and remains in service more than 60 years later.

Fleet Rarity

Around 400 KC-135s remain in service, mostly with the USAF/ANG, but the type is being replaced in some roles by the KC-46A.

Record Flights

No commercial records, but a vital enabler of long-distance U.S. and allied military air operations.

Safety & Events

KC-135s have served in every major U.S. air campaign since the Vietnam War; notable aircraft due to longevity and key support roles.

Future Outlook

Still flying as of 2024, but slowly being retired as KC-46A deliveries ramp up.

Specifications

CFM International F108-CF-100 (military variant of CFM56-2) turbofan

Engine

39.88 m

Wingspan

41.53 m

Length

2,419 km (standard mission profile, ferry range up to 17,700 km with offload limits)

Range

853 km/h

Speed

Up to 90,718 kg transferable fuel (cargo/personnel configuration possible but primary is tanker)

Capacity

146,285 kg

MTOW

12.70 m

Height

99 kN (22,000 lbf) per engine

Thrust

ICAO Chapter 3 (older standard), estimated 92-100 dB on departure

Noise