The KC-135 is an American tank airplane for airborne refueling of other
aircraft. According to official sources the United States Air Force has
457 KC-135 Stratotankers, the Air National Guard 30 and the Air National
Reserve 130.
United
States Stationed For missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, KC-135 aircraft
are stationed on airfields like Manas in Kyrgyzstan and Al Udeid AFB in
the desert of Qatar. KC-135 Stratotankers are also permanent stationed
on Geilenkirchen AFB, Germany (near the border of The Netherlands) as
part of the United States Air Force Europe (USAFE). There, the stratotankers
are used to refuel the NATO AWACS airplanes which are also stationed at
Geilenkirchen.
Technical Some modifications concerning the avionics and cockpit included
a improved multiplex data bus and integrated software, integrated global
positioning system, avoidance surfacethreat systems and improved navigation
systems. The controls get multiple electronic function displays and a
central control panel.
General As cargo airplane it is less useful but with 457 airplanes it
is very useful to refuel bombers, fighter jets, cargo planes and reconnaissance
aircraft. It can also refuel aircraft from the US Navy, US Marines and
allied countries. Because the KC-135 is already in service since 1965
it is essential that they'll get updates to stay in service for some years.
However the KC-135 will be replaced in a few years. Once the USAF wanted
to replace them by European airplanes from Airbus but the US Government
did no tolerated.
Other users The KC-135 is also in service with the air forces of: France
(14 aircraft), Turkey (7 aircraft), Singapore (4 aircraft) and Chile (3
aircraft).
KC-135
France
KC-135
France
KC-135
Turkey
Specifications
Length:
41.53 meters
Height:
12.7 meters
Wingspan:
39.88 meters
Power
plant: KC-135R /T: 4x CFM turbofan engines
Power
plant: KC-135E: 4x TF-33-PW-102 turbofan engines
Thrust
KC-135R/T: 21634 pounds each engine
Thrust
KC-135E: 18000 pounds each engine
Ceiling:
15240 meters
Range:
2419 km with 68039 kilograms or transfer fuel: ferry mission: up to
17766 km
MTOW:
146285 kilograms
Maximum
Transfer Fuel Load: 90719 kilograms
Maximum
Cargo Capability: 37648 kilograms or 37 passengers
Pallet
positions: 6
Crew:
3; pilot, co-pilot and a boom operator and on some special missions
a navigator is required
Aeromedical
Evacuation Crew: 5; 2 flight nurses and 3 medical technicians
Costs:
39.6 million dollar
Inventory
US Air Force: 195
US Air National Guard: 251
US Air Force Reserve: 84
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