KC-135 Stratotanker

Aerial tankers are undoubtedly one of the key strategic assets of contemporary armed forces, and their deployment is essential not only for global power projection but also for the most efficient execution of both military and humanitarian operations.

The most significant aircraft of this type is unquestionably the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, despite the fact that more than 60 years have passed since its first flight. It is the longest-serving aircraft in the U.S. Air Force's inventory and one of only six fixed-wing aircraft types that have been in service for more than 50 years with the same operator. Although several successors, such as the KC-46 Pegasus, have been developed, the KC-135 is not expected to be retired anytime soon, and some of these aircraft could still be flying in 2040. Its operational advantages are evidenced by its deployment during the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

However, providing fuel in the air is not its only advantage. It can also transport 37 passengers and over 37,000 kilograms of cargo or 90,000 kilograms of fuel. The American company NASA has also used it as an aircraft to simulate weightlessness. Due to these capabilities, a total of 803 units have been produced, and it is still part of the armament of USA, France, Turkey and Chile.

It is powered by four engines, which are located in nacelles under the wings. Originally, these aircraft were equipped with Pratt & Whitney J57-P-59W engines, but during successive upgrades, there were two changes – first to the TF33-PW-102 and later to the CFM56 turbofan engines. The aircraft has an overall length of 41.53 metres, a wingspan of 39.88 metres, and a height of 12.7 metres. Although it does not normally fly faster than 850 km/h, it is capable of reaching speeds of up to 933 km/h.
 

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