Boeing (left - KC-135), Rockwell (right - B-1) KC-135 Stratotanker (left) and B-1B Lancer (right)

Speedbird1624 🇬🇧

20 Mar 2026 · © Unknown

USAF KC135 & B1 Lancer (The Bones) air to air refuelling

Comments (0)

No comments yet.

Nikon D3300 55-300mm

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Boeing Beginner, Military Maverick

4 badges earned

Aviation History

KC-135 is a pivotal USAF aerial refueling aircraft since 1957; B-1 Lancer is a U.S. strategic bomber (since 1986)

Fleet Rarity

KC-135 and B-1B both have under 100-200 active airframes each with USAF; B-1B is more rare globally

Record Flights

B-1B Lancer has flown long-range strike missions; KC-135 has supported around-the-world refueling ops

Safety & Events

Both types have had notable Cold War and modern-era deployments

Future Outlook

KC-135 slated for eventual KC-46A replacement; B-1B scheduled for retirement early 2030s

KC-135: 39.88 m, B-1B: 41.8 m

Wingspan

KC-135: 41.53 m, B-1B: 44.81 m

Length

KC-135: 2,419 km (with max fuel), B-1B: 11,999 km (ferry range)

Range

KC-135: 852 km/h, B-1B: 900 km/h (Mach 0.92 cruise)

Speed

KC-135: Typical fuel load 90,719 kg, B-1B: Crew of 4 (bomb load up to 34,019 kg)

Capacity

KC-135: 146,285 kg, B-1B: 216,364 kg

MTOW

KC-135: 12.7 m, B-1B: 10.4 m

Height