Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker

SoonerAlum93 🌵

1h ago · © SoonerAlum93

On standby for the Arizona Air National Guard at PHX

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Aircraft

KC-135 Stratotanker KC35

USAF (standard gray) with unit tail flash

Airline

US Air Force (military, no airline)

Manufacturer

Boeing

Gear

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Apple iPhone 15 Pro back triple camera 9mm f/2.8

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Boeing Beginner, Military Maverick

4 badges earned

Photo grade

Score: 62.0

KC-135 is recognizable but image is soft, slightly tilted, and distant, which reduces impact.

Location

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

PHX/KPHX

33.4353, -112.0060

Open map

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport PHX

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The KC-135 Stratotanker is a legendary military aerial refueling tanker, introduced in 1957, and forms the backbone of USAF\'s tanker fleet. It was pivotal in Cold War power projection and is still operational more than 65 years after first flight.

Fleet Rarity

Approximately 400 remain in active service worldwide, exclusively with military operators, mostly USAF.

Record Flights

Performed extended air refueling on transoceanic and global missions. Often involved in long-duration operations during wartime and humanitarian airlifts.

Safety & Events

KC-135s have been involved in non-fatal mechanical incidents, some fatal accidents, and many historic/heroic flights. Known for longevity, frequent upgrades, and their role in every major USAF military operation since the Vietnam War.

Future Outlook

Gradual retirement in favor of KC-46 Pegasus, with many expected to serve through the late 2020s or early 2030s. Some models already retired to storage or scrapped.

Specifications

CFM International CFM56/F108 (re-engined KC-135R variant) or Pratt & Whitney J57 (early/A models)

Engine

39.88 meters

Wingspan

41.53 meters

Length

2,419 kilometers (fully loaded, ferry range up to 17,766 km)

Range

855 kilometers per hour

Speed

up to 83,613 kilograms (183,000 lbs) of fuel/cargo transfer

Capacity

146,285 kilograms

MTOW

12.7 meters

Height

97.86 kN (21,625 lbf) per CFM56/F108 engine (if KC-135R)

Thrust

ICAO Chapter 3, varies by re-engine; older models are noisier

Noise