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{{short description|US military aerial refueling and transport aircraft}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout, and guidelines. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= KC-135 Stratotanker
 |image= File:F-15C Eagle from the 67th Fighter Squadron at Kadena AB is refueled by a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron .jpg
 |image_caption= A KC-135R refuels an [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle|F-15C Eagle]]
 |aircraft_type= [[Aerial refueling]] tanker and [[Military transport aircraft|transport aircraft]]<ref name=AF_fact_sheet/><ref name=Boeing.com/>
 |national_origin= United States
 |manufacturer= [[Boeing]]
 |designer= 
 |first_flight= 31 August 1956
 |introduction= June 1957
 |retired= 
 |status= In service
 |primary_user= [[United States Air Force]]<!-- List only ONE (1) user. Please DON'T add flag icons, as they limit horizontal space. -->
 |more_users= [[Turkish Air Force]]<br />[[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] (historical)<!-- Limit is three (3) users in 'more users' field, four (4) total users. Please separate with <br />.-->
 |produced= 1955–1965
 |number_built= 803
 |developed_from= [[Boeing 367-80]]
 |variants= [[Boeing C-135 Stratolifter]] <br/>[[Boeing NC-135]]
}}

The '''Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker''' is an American military [[aerial refueling]] tanker aircraft that was developed from the [[Boeing 367-80]] prototype, alongside the [[Boeing 707]] airliner. It has a narrower fuselage and is shorter than the 707. Boeing gave the aircraft the internal designation of Model 717<ref>[http://www.boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2006/july/i_history.pdf "Historical Perspective, Start of a PROUD MISSION"], ''Boeing Frontiers'', July 2006.</ref> (number later assigned to a [[Boeing 717|different Boeing aircraft]]). The KC-135 was the [[United States Air Force]] (USAF)'s first jet-powered refueling tanker and replaced the [[Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter|KC-97 Stratofreighter]]. The KC-135 was initially tasked with refueling strategic bombers, but it was used extensively in the [[Vietnam War]] and later conflicts such as [[Operation Desert Storm]] to extend the range and endurance of US tactical fighters and bombers.

The KC-135 entered service with the USAF in 1957; it is one of nine military fixed-wing aircraft (six American, three Russian) with over 60 years of continuous service<ref group="note">The nine military fixed-wing aircraft with over 60 years of continuous service are [[Boeing B-52 Stratofortress]] bomber (1955); [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]] cargo & troop transporter (1956); [[Tupolev Tu-95]] bomber (1956); Boeing KC-135 "Stratotanker" mid-air refueller (1957); [[Lockheed U-2]] "Dragon Lady" reconnaissance (1957); [[Ilyushin Il-18]] transport (1958); [[Antonov An-12]] transport & patrol (1959); [[Northrop T-38 Talon]] jet trainer (1961); and [[Lockheed P-3 Orion]] naval & submarine surveillance (1962). There is also one helicopter: [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook]] (1962).</ref> with its original operator. The KC-135 was supplemented by the larger [[McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender]]. Studies have concluded that many of the aircraft could be flown until 2030, although maintenance costs have greatly increased. The KC-135 is to be partially replaced by the [[Boeing KC-46 Pegasus]].

==Development==

===Background===
Starting in 1950, the USAF operated the world's first production aerial tanker, the Boeing [[KC-97 Stratofreighter]], a gasoline fueled piston-engined [[Boeing 377|Boeing Stratocruiser]] (USAF designation [[C-97 Stratofreighter]]) with a Boeing-developed flying boom and extra kerosene (jet fuel) tanks feeding the boom. The Stratocruiser airliner itself was developed from the [[Boeing B-29 Superfortress]] bomber after [[World War II]]. In the KC-97, the mixed gasoline/kerosene fuel system was clearly not desirable and it was obvious that a jet-powered tanker aircraft would be the next development, having a single type of fuel for both its own engines and for passing to receiver aircraft. The 230&nbsp;mph (370&nbsp;km/h) cruise speed of the slower, piston-engined KC-97 was also a serious issue, as using it as an aerial tanker forced the newer jet-powered military aircraft to slow down to mate with the tanker's boom.

Like its sibling, the commercial [[Boeing 707]] [[jet airliner]], the KC-135 was derived from the [[Boeing 367-80]] jet transport "proof of concept" demonstrator, which was commonly called the "Dash-80". The KC-135 is similar in appearance to the 707, but has a narrower [[fuselage]] and is shorter than the 707. The KC-135 predates the 707, and is structurally quite different from the civilian airliner.  Boeing gave the future KC-135 tanker the initial designation Model 717.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Lombardi |first=Michael |date=July 2006 |title=Historical Perspective, Start of a PROUD MISSION |url=http://www.boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2006/july/i_history.pdf |journal=Boeing Frontiers |location=Chicago, Illinois |publisher=Boeing |access-date=21 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612010633/http://www.boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2006/july/i_history.pdf |archive-date=12 June 2014}}</ref>

[[File:Boeing B-52D-70-BO (SN 56-0582) is refueled by Boeing KC-135A-BN (SN 55-3127) 061127-F-1234S-009.jpg|thumb|left|A KC-135A refueling a [[B-52D]] during the [[Cold War]]. Both aircraft types were operated by the [[Strategic Air Command]].]]
In 1954, USAF's [[Strategic Air Command]] (SAC) held a competition for a jet-powered aerial refueling tanker. [[Lockheed Corporation]]'s tanker version of the proposed [[Lockheed L-193]] airliner with rear fuselage-mounted engines was declared the winner in 1955.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bright |first=Charles |date=January 1986 |title=The Jet Makers: The Aerospace Industry from 1945–1972 |url=https://archive.org/details/jetmakersaerospa0000brig |location=Lawrence, Kansas |publisher=[[University Press of Kansas]] |chapter=VII – The Heartbreak Market: Airliners |chapter-url=https://www.generalatomic.com/jetmakers/chapter7.html |isbn=978-0700601721 |access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref> Since Boeing's proposal was already flying, the KC-135 could be delivered two years earlier and [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Air Force Secretary]] [[Harold E. Talbott]] ordered 250 KC-135 tankers until Lockheed's design could be manufactured. In the end, orders for the Lockheed tanker were dropped rather than supporting two tanker designs. Lockheed never produced its jet airliner, while Boeing would eventually dominate the market with a family of airliners based on the 707.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hopkins, III |first=Robert S. |title=Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker: More Than Just a Tanker |year=1997 |publisher=Midland Publishing Limited |location=Leicester, England |isbn=1-85780-069-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=May |first=Mike |date=Spring 2004 |title=Gas Stations in the Sky |url=http://www.americanheritage.com/articles/magazine/it/2004/4/2004_4_10.shtml |url-status=dead |journal=[[American Heritage of Invention & Technology|Invention & Technology]] |publisher=American Heritage Society |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100427135402/http://www.americanheritage.com/articles/magazine/it/2004/4/2004_4_10.shtml |archive-date=27 April 2010 |access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref>

In 1954, the USAF placed an initial order for 29 KC-135As, the first of an eventual 820 of all variants of the basic C-135 family. The first aircraft flew in August 1956 and the initial production Stratotanker was delivered to [[Castle Air Force Base]], [[California]], in June 1957. The last KC-135 was delivered to the USAF in 1965.

[[File:General Curtis LeMay arrived in Buenos Aires Argentine on November 11, 1957.jpg|thumb|On 11 November 1957, [[Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force|Air Force Vice Chief of Staff]] General [[Curtis LeMay]] tested the first KC-135 on a [[Flight length|long-haul flight]] from [[Westover Air Reserve Base|Westover Air Force Base]], Massachusetts to [[Buenos Aires]], Argentina.]]
Developed in the early 1950s, the basic airframe is characterized by 35-degree aft swept wings and [[Empennage|tail]], four underwing-mounted engine pods, a [[horizontal stabilizer]] mounted on the fuselage near the bottom of the [[vertical stabilizer]] with positive [[dihedral (aircraft)|dihedral]] on the two horizontal planes and a hi-frequency radio antenna which protrudes forward from the top of the vertical fin or stabilizer. These basic features make it strongly resemble the commercial Boeing 707 and 720 aircraft, although it is a different aircraft.

[[Reconnaissance]] and command post variants of the aircraft, including the [[RC-135 Rivet Joint]] and [[Boeing EC-135|EC-135]] [[Operation Looking Glass|Looking Glass]] aircraft were operated by SAC from 1963 through 1992, when they were reassigned to the [[Air Combat Command]] (ACC). The USAF EC-135 Looking Glass was subsequently replaced in its role by the [[U.S. Navy]] [[E-6 Mercury]] aircraft, a new build airframe based on the Boeing 707-320B.

=== Engine retrofits ===
All KC-135s were originally equipped with [[Pratt & Whitney]] [[Pratt & Whitney J57|J57-P-59W]] [[turbojet]] engines, which produced {{convert|10000|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} of thrust dry, and approximately {{convert|13000|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} of [[Water injection (engine)|thrust wet]]. Wet thrust is achieved through the use of water injection on takeoff, as opposed to "wet thrust" when used to describe an [[Afterburner|afterburning engine]]. {{convert|670|USgal|L}} of water are injected into the engines over the course of three minutes. The water is injected into the inlet and the diffuser case in front of the combustion case. The water cools the air in the engine to increase its density; it also reduces the turbine gas temperature, which is a primary limitation on many jet engines. This allows the use of more fuel for proper combustion and creates more thrust for short periods of time, similar in concept to "[[War emergency power|War Emergency Power]]" in a [[Reciprocating engine|piston-engined]] aircraft.

[[File:KC-135R-Taxi.JPG|right|thumb|A nose-on view of several re-engined KC-135R aircraft [[Elephant walk (aeronautics)|taxiing prior to takeoff]]. The new engines are [[CFM International CFM56|CFM56-2]] high-bypass turbofans.|alt=The front of several gray aircraft are centered in the image.]]
In the 1980s, the first modification program retrofitted 157 [[Air Force Reserve Command|Air Force Reserve]] (AFRES) and [[Air National Guard]] (ANG) tankers with the Pratt & Whitney [[Pratt & Whitney JT3D|TF33-PW-102]] [[turbofan]] engines from 707 airliners retired in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The modified tanker, designated the KC-135E, was 14% more fuel-efficient than the KC-135A and could offload 20% more fuel on long-duration flights. Only the KC-135E aircraft were equipped with [[Thrust reversal|thrust reversers]] for aborted takeoffs and shorter landing roll-outs. The KC-135E fleet has since either been retrofitted as the R-model configuration or placed into long-term storage ("XJ"), as Congress has prevented the USAF from formally retiring them. The final KC-135E, tail number ''56-3630'', was delivered by the [[101st Air Refueling Wing]] to the [[309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group]] (AMARG) at [[Davis–Monthan Air Force Base]] in September 2009.<ref name="KC-135E">{{cite news |last=Beckham |first=SSgt Tim |date=25 September 2009 |title=Final KC-135E retires at Davis-Monthan |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/119036/final-kc-135e-retires-at-davis-monthan/ |access-date=21 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102152721/http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/119036/final-kc-135e-retires-at-davis-monthan.aspx |archive-date=2 November 2014}}</ref>

[[File:KC-135-Stratotanker-Cockpit.jpg|thumb|Flight deck of KC-135R; instrument panel has been modified under the Pacer-CRAG program]]
The second modification program retrofitted 500 aircraft with new [[CFM International]] [[CFM International CFM56|CFM56]] (military designation: F108) high-bypass turbofan engines produced by [[General Electric]] and [[Safran Aircraft Engines|Safran]]. The CFM56 engine produces approximately {{convert|22500|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} of thrust, nearly a 100% increase compared to the original J57 engine. The modified tanker, designated KC-135R (modified KC-135A or E) or KC-135T (modified KC-135Q), can offload up to 50% more fuel (on a long-duration sortie), is 25% more fuel-efficient, and costs 25% less to operate than with the previous engines. It is also significantly quieter than the KC-135A, with noise levels at takeoff reduced from 126 to 99 [[decibel]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://boeing.com/defense-space/military/kc135/index.html |title=KC-135 Stratotanker |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=June 2011 |publisher=Boeing |access-date=21 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629014517/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/kc135-strat/index.html |archive-date=29 June 2011}}</ref> This 27 decibel noise reduction results in a sound pressure level of about 5% of the original level.{{citation needed|date=July 2023}}<!-- <ref>The noise reduction of 27 dB means the resultant sound pressure level is about 5% of the original level.</ref> A footnote without a source is not a valid 'source'. -->

The KC-135R's operational range is 60% greater than the KC-135E for comparable fuel offloads, providing a wider range of basing options.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}

Upgrading the remaining KC-135Es into KC-135Rs is no longer in consideration; this would have cost approximately US$3 billion, $24 million per aircraft.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}} According to USAF data, the KC-135 fleet had a total operation and support cost in fiscal year 2001 of about $2.2&nbsp;billion (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=2200000000|start_year=2001}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}). The older E model aircraft averaged total costs of about $4.6&nbsp;million per aircraft, while the R models averaged about $3.7&nbsp;million per aircraft.  Those costs include personnel, fuel, maintenance, modifications, and spare parts.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d03938t.pdf |last=Curtin |first=Neal P. |title=Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Projection Forces, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives; Military Aircraft: Information on Air Force Aerial Refueling Tankers |publisher=General Accounting Office |date=24 June 2003 |quote=According to Air Force data, the KC-135 fleet had a total operation and support cost in fiscal year 2001 of about $2.2 billion. The older E model aircraft averaged total costs of about $4.6 million per aircraft, while the R models averaged about $3.7 million per aircraft. Those costs include personnel, fuel, maintenance, modifications, and spare parts. |access-date=21 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924045302/http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d03938t.pdf |archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref>

===Avionics upgrades===
[[File:KC-135 Block 45 glass cockpit 2017.jpg|thumb|Block 45 [[glass cockpit]]]]

In order to expand the KC-135's capabilities and improve its reliability, the aircraft has undergone a number of avionics upgrades. Among these was the Pacer-CRAG program (compass, radar and GPS) which ran from 1999 to 2002 and modified all the aircraft in the inventory to eliminate the Navigator position from the flight crew. The fuel management system was also replaced. The program development was done by [[Rockwell Collins]] in [[Iowa]]<ref>{{cite journal |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=7 March 2012 |title=Boeing KC-135 – Rockwell Collins Pacer CRAG Avionics Upgrade |url=http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Aircraft-Upgrades/Boeing-KC-135--Rockwell-Collins-Pacer-CRAG-Avionics-Upgrade-United-States.htm |url-status=dead |journal=Jane's Aircraft Upgrades |location=London, England |publisher=Janes Information Group |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616115828/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Aircraft-Upgrades/Boeing-KC-135--Rockwell-Collins-Pacer-CRAG-Avionics-Upgrade-United-States.html |archive-date=16 June 2012 |access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref> and installation was performed by [[BAE Systems]] at the [[Mojave Spaceport|Mojave Airport]] in California.<ref>{{cite journal |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=BAE SYSTEMS delivers final Pacer CRAG KC-135 |journal=[[Aerotech News and Review]] |location=Lancaster, California |publisher=Aerotech News and Review, Inc. |date=20 September 2002}}</ref> Block 40.6 allows the KC-135 to comply with [[global air-traffic management]]. The latest block upgrade to the KC-135, the Block 45 program, is online with the first 45 upgraded aircraft delivered by January 2017. Block 45 adds a new [[glass cockpit]] digital display, radio altimeter, digital autopilot, digital flight director and computer updates. The original, no longer procurable, analog instruments, including all engine gauges, were replaced.<ref>[https://www.airforce-technology.com/uncategorised/newsusaf-receives-block-45-upgrade-45th-first-kc-135-5724741/ USAF receives new Block 45 upgrade KC-135 Stratotanker] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327212256/https://www.airforce-technology.com/uncategorised/newsusaf-receives-block-45-upgrade-45th-first-kc-135-5724741/ |date=27 March 2018}}, Srivari Aishwarya, Air Force Technology, 26 January 2017.</ref> Rockwell Collins again supplied the major avionic modules, with modification done at [[Tinker AFB]].<ref>Davis, Greg L. [https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1058221/kc-135-mod-program-closes-out-year-with-magic-number-block-45/ "KC-135 MOD program closes out year with magic number: Block 45"], 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs, 24 January 2017.</ref>

===Further upgrades and derivatives===
The KC-135Q variant was modified to carry [[JP-7]] fuel necessary for the [[Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird]] by separating the JP-7 from the KC-135's own fuel supply (the body tanks carrying JP-7, and the wing tanks carrying [[JP-4]] or [[JP-8]]). The tanker also had special fuel systems for moving the different fuels between different tanks.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Graham |first1=Richard |title=SR-71 Revealed: The Untold Story |date=1996 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/sr71revealedinsi00colr/page/38 38–39] |publisher=Voyageur Press |isbn=0760301220 |url=https://archive.org/details/sr71revealedinsi00colr/page/38}}</ref> When the KC-135Q model received the CFM56 engines, it was redesignated the KC-135T model, which was capable of separating the main body tanks from the wing tanks where the KC-135 draws its engine fuel. The only external difference between a KC-135R and a KC-135T is the presence of a clear window on the underside of the empennage of the KC-135T where a remote controlled searchlight is mounted.  It also has two ground refueling ports, located in each rear wheel well so ground crews can fuel both the body tanks and wing tanks separately.

[[File:FRL-Mk.32B-Pod-S.jpg|thumb|Cutaway of the Flight Refueling Limited Mk.32B Refueling Pod]]
Eight KC-135R aircraft are [[Aerial refueling#Multiple systems|receiver-capable]] tankers, commonly referred to as KC-135R(RT).  All eight aircraft were with the [[22d Air Refueling Wing]] at [[McConnell AFB]], Kansas, in 1994.<ref>Hopkins, pp. 71–72.</ref> They are primarily used for force extension and Special Operations missions, and are crewed by highly qualified receiver capable crews.  If not used for the receiver mission, these aircraft can be flown just like any other KC-135R.

The Multi-point Refueling Systems (MPRS) modification adds refueling pods to the KC-135's wings.  The pods allow refueling of U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and most NATO tactical jet aircraft while keeping the tail-mounted refueling boom. The pods themselves are Flight Refueling Limited MK.32B model pods, and refuel via the probe and drogue method common to Navy/Marine Corps tactical jets, rather than the primary "[[Aerial refueling|flying boom]]" method used by Air Force fixed-wing aircraft. This allows the tanker to refuel two receivers at the same time, which increases throughput compared to the boom drogue adapter.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}}

A number of KC-135A and KC-135B aircraft have been modified to EC-135, RC-135 and [[OC-135]] configurations for use in several different roles (although these could also be considered variants of the [[Boeing C-135 Stratolifter|C-135 Stratolifter]] family).

==Design==
[[File:KC-135Boom-operator-521.jpg|thumb|USAF KC-135R [[Boom operator (military)|boom operator]] view from boom pod]]

The KC-135R has four turbofan engines, mounted under 35-degree swept wings,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/commercial/707family/index.html |title=Boeing: Commercial Airplanes – 707 – 707 Family Home |publisher=Boeing |access-date=21 October 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130226052709/http://www.boeing.com/commercial/707family/index.html |archive-date=26 February 2013}}</ref> which power it to takeoffs at gross weights up to {{convert|322500|lb|kg}}. Nearly all internal fuel can be pumped through the tanker's [[flying boom]], the KC-135's primary fuel transfer method. A [[boom operator (military)|boom operator]] stationed in the rear of the aircraft controls the boom while lying prone, viewing through a window at the bottom of the tail. Both the flying boom and operator's station are similar to those of the previous KC-97. A special shuttlecock-shaped drogue, attached to and trailing behind the flying boom, may be used to refuel aircraft fitted with probes. This apparatus is significantly more unforgiving of pilot error in the receiving aircraft than conventional trailing hose arrangements; an aircraft so fitted is also incapable of refueling by the normal flying boom method until the attachment is removed. A cargo deck above the refueling system can hold a mixed load of passengers and cargo. Depending on fuel storage configuration, the KC-135 can carry up to {{convert|83000|lb|kg}} of cargo.

==Operational history==

===Introduction into service===
[[File:KC-135 refueling.jpg|thumb|left|upright|An F-15 backs out after refueling from a KC-135R.]]

The KC-135 was initially purchased to support SAC bombers, but by the late 1960s, in the [[Vietnam War|Southeast Asia]] theater, the KC-135 Stratotanker's ability as a force multiplier came to the fore. Midair refueling of [[F-105]] and [[F-4]] fighter-bombers as well as B-52 bombers brought far-flung bombing targets within reach, and allowed fighter missions to spend hours at the front, rather than a few minutes, which was usual due to their limited fuel reserves and high fuel consumption. KC-135 crews refueled both USAF and Navy/ [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] aircraft; though they would have to change to [[probe and drogue]] adapters depending upon the mission, the Navy and Marine Corps not having fitted their aircraft with flying boom receptacles since the USAF boom system was impractical for aircraft carrier operations. Crews also helped to bring in damaged aircraft which could sometimes fly while being fed by fuel to a landing site or to ditch over the water (specifically those with punctured fuel tanks). KC-135s continued their tactical support role in later conflicts such as [[Operation Desert Storm]] and current aerial strategy.

SAC had the KC-135 Stratotanker in service with Regular Air Force SAC units from 1957 through 1992 and with SAC-gained ANG and AFRES units from 1975 through 1992.<ref name="auto">{{cite report |author=HQ USSTRATCOM/CSH |date=January 2004 |title=History of the United States Strategic Command, June 1, 1992 – October 1, 2002 |url=http://www.stratcom.mil/files/History.pdf |publisher=United States Strategic Command |page=21 |access-date=23 October 2014 |quote=[...] a similar ceremony [at Scott AFB] marked the inactivation of MAC and the activation of the new [[Air Mobility Command]] (AMC), which now assumed responsibility for SAC's KC-135 and KC-10 air refueling aircraft. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306200214/https://www.stratcom.mil/files/History.pdf |archive-date=6 March 2016}}</ref> Following a major USAF reorganization that resulted in the inactivation of SAC in 1992, most KC-135s were reassigned to the newly created AMC.<ref name="auto"/> While AMC gained the preponderance of the aerial refueling mission, a small number of KC-135s were also assigned directly to [[United States Air Forces in Europe]] (USAFE), [[Pacific Air Forces]] (PACAF) and the [[Air Education and Training Command]] (AETC). All AFRC KC-135s and most of the ANG KC-135 fleet became operationally-gained by AMC, while [[Alaska Air National Guard]] and [[Hawaii Air National Guard]] KC-135s became operationally-gained by PACAF.{{citation needed|date=August 2011}}

AMC managed 396 Stratotankers, of which the AFRC and ANG flew 243 in support of AMC's mission as of May 2018.<ref name=AF_fact_sheet>{{cite web |url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1529736/kc-135-stratotanker/ |title=KC-135 Stratotanker |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=14 May 2018 |website=AF.mil |publisher=US Air Force |access-date=28 September 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924112504/https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1529736/kc-135-stratotanker/ |archive-date=24 September 2021}}</ref> The KC-135 is one of a few military aircraft types with over 50 years of continuous service with its original operator as of 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aahs-online.org/articles/KC-135_turns_50.php |title=Boeing KC-135 Celebrates 50 Years of Service |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |year=2009 |website=aahs-online.org |publisher=American Aviation Historical Society |access-date=23 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222082856/http://www.aahs-online.org/articles/KC-135_turns_50.php |archive-date=22 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Armstrong |first=Brandice J. |date=12 September 2006 |title=Airman celebrates different KC-135 anniversary |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/129814/airman-celebrates-different-kc-135-anniversary/ |newspaper=USAF News |location=72d Air Base |access-date=23 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104014940/http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/129814/airman-celebrates-different-kc-135-anniversary.aspx |archive-date=4 November 2014}}</ref>

Israel was offered KC-135s again in 2013, after turning down the aging aircraft twice due to expense of keeping them flying.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130429/DEFREG02/304290018/Israelis-Slam-US-Hyped-Arms-Package |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130628235034/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130429/DEFREG02/304290018/Israelis-Slam-US-Hyped-Arms-Package |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 June 2013 |title=Israelis Slam US-Hyped Arms Package |last1=Opall-Rome |first1=Barbara |date=29 April 2013 |work=Defense News |publisher=Gannett Government Media Corporation |access-date=30 April 2013}}</ref> The IAF again rejected the offered KC-135Es, but said that it would consider up to a dozen of the newer KC-135Rs.<ref>{{cite web |last=Egozi |first=Arie |date=2 September 2013 |title=Israel seeks R-model KC-135s from USA |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-seeks-r-model-kc-135s-from-usa-390082/ |website=FlightGlobal |access-date=23 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023171048/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-seeks-r-model-kc-135s-from-usa-390082/ |archive-date=23 October 2014}}</ref>

As of 2025, the oldest active aircraft in the U.S military is KC-135 [[57-1419]], in service with the [[161st Air Refueling Wing]], based out of [[Goldwater Air National Guard Base]], Arizona. The aircraft was built in 1957, and as of 2013 had 22,300 flight hours.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Oldest jet in the Air Force returns home |url=https://www.190arw.ang.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/864023/oldest-jet-in-the-air-force-returns-home/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307113716/https://www.190arw.ang.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/864023/oldest-jet-in-the-air-force-returns-home/ |archive-date=2025-03-07 |access-date=2025-07-29 |work=190th Air Refueling Wing |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Research usage===
[[File:KC-135A with Winglets in flight.jpg|thumb|KC-135 [[winglet]] flight tests at [[Dryden Flight Research Center|Armstrong Flight Research Center]].]]

Besides its primary role as an inflight aircraft refueler, the KC-135, designated NKC-135, has assisted in several research projects at the [[NASA]] [[Armstrong Flight Research Center]] at [[Edwards Air Force Base]], California.  One such project occurred between 1979 and 1980 when special wingtip "[[Wingtip device|winglets]]", developed by [[Richard T. Whitcomb|Richard Whitcomb]] of the [[Langley Research Center]], were tested at Armstrong, using an NKC-135A tanker loaned to NASA by the Air Force.  Winglets are small, nearly vertical fins installed on an aircraft's wing tips.  The results of the research showed that [[drag (physics)|drag]] was reduced and [[range (aircraft)|range]] could be increased by as much as 7 percent at cruise speeds.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/Gallery/Photo/KC-135/index.html |title=NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, KC-135 Stratotanker Photo Collection |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=dfrc.nasa.gov |publisher=NASA |access-date=23 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070203091713/http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/Gallery/Photo/KC-135/index.html |archive-date=3 February 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/c135jh_2.htm |title=C-135 Variants – Part 2 |last=Heilig |first=Jennings |date=8 September 2002 |website=clubhyper.com |access-date=23 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923204819/http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/c135jh_2.htm |archive-date=23 September 2015}}</ref> Winglets are now being incorporated into most new commercial and military transport/passenger jets, as well as business aviation jets.

NASA also has operated several KC-135 aircraft (without the tanker equipment installed) as their famed [[Vomit Comet]] zero-gravity simulator aircraft.  The longest-serving (1973 to 1995) version was KC-135A, AF Ser. No. ''59-1481'', named ''Weightless Wonder IV'' and registered as N930NA.<ref name="heilig">{{cite web |url=http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/c135jh_6.htm |title=C-135 Variants – Part 6 |last=Heilig |first=Jennings |date=8 September 2002 |website=clubhyper.com |access-date=23 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923204819/http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/c135jh_6.htm |archive-date=23 September 2015}}</ref>

===Replacements===
{{main|KC-X}}
[[File:KC135s Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|left|KC-135Rs at twilight on the flight line]]

Between 1993 and 2003, the amount of KC-135 depot maintenance work doubled, and the overhaul cost per aircraft tripled.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Hebert |first=Adam J. |date=January 2003 |title=When Aircraft Get Old |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2003/January%202003/0103aircraft.aspx |url-status=dead |journal=Air Force Magazine |location=Arlington, Virginia |publisher=[[Air Force Association]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030226102624/http://www.afa.org/magazine/Jan2003/0103aircraft.asp |archive-date=26 February 2003 |access-date=23 October 2014}}</ref> In 1996, it cost $8,400 per flight hour for the KC-135, and in 2002 this had grown to $11,000.  The Air Force's 15-year estimates project further significant cost growth through fiscal year 2017. KC-135 fleet operations and support costs were estimated to grow from about $2.2&nbsp;billion in fiscal year 2003 to $5.1&nbsp;billion (2003 dollars) in fiscal year 2017, an increase of over 130 percent, which represented an annual operating cost growth rate of about 6.2 percent.<ref>{{cite report |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=4 June 2004 |title=MILITARY AIRCRAFT: DOD Needs to Determine its Aerial Refueling Aircraft Requirements |url=http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-04-349 |publisher=US General Accounting Office |page=3 |docket=GAO-04-349 |access-date=23 October 2014 |quote=Operations and support costs for the KC-135 fleet are estimated to grow from about $2.2 billion in fiscal year 2003 to $5.1 billion (fiscal year 2003 dollars) in fiscal year 2017, an increase of $2.9 billion, or over 130 percent, which represents an annual growth rate of about 6.2 percent. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023172405/http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-04-349 |archive-date=23 October 2014}}</ref>

The USAF projected that E and R models have lifetime flying hour limits of 36,000 and 39,000 hours, respectively. According to the Air Force, only a few KC-135s would reach these limits by 2040, when some aircraft would be about 80 years old. A later 2005 Air Force study estimated that KC-135Es upgraded to the R standard could remain in use until 2030.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bolkcom |first=Christopher |date=20 March 2007 |title=Air Force Aerial Refueling |url=https://sgp.fas.org/crs/weapons/RS20941.pdf |journal=FAS Project on Government Secrecy}}</ref>

In 2006, the KC-135E fleet was flying an annual average of 350 hours per aircraft and the KC-135R fleet was flying an annual average of 710 hours per aircraft.  The KC-135 fleet is currently flying double its planned yearly flying hour program to meet airborne refueling requirements, and has resulted in higher than forecast usage and sustainment costs.{{citation needed|date=February 2023}} In March 2009, the Air Force indicated that KC-135s would require additional skin replacement to allow their continued use beyond 2018.<ref>{{cite journal |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=9 March 2000 |title=Thin Skin |url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/kc-135-looking-costly-re-skinning |journal=[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]] |publisher=Penton Media |volume=70 |issue=10 |pages=18 |access-date=23 October 2014 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20141025065928/http://aviationweek.com/awin/kc-135-looking-costly-re-skinning |archive-date=25 October 2014}}</ref>

[[File:Kc135-f35-marchafb.jpg|thumb|View from the boom operator's hatch as a [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35]] takes on fuel from a KC-135 of the 912d ARS]]
[[File:JASDF F-35A Lightning II prepares to receive fuel from USAF KC-135 Stratotanker - February 2025.jpg|thumb|[[Japan Air Self-Defense Force|JASDF]] F-35A Lightning II prepares to receive fuel from a USAF KC-135, 2025]]

The USAF decided to replace the KC-135 fleet. However, the fleet is large and will need to be replaced gradually. Initially the first batch of replacement planes was to be an air tanker version of the [[Boeing 767]], leased from [[Boeing]]. In 2003, this was changed to contract where the Air Force would purchase 80 KC-767 aircraft and lease 20 more.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Tirpak |first=John A. |date=February 2004 |title=Tanker Twilight Zone |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2004/February%202004/0204tanker.aspx |url-status=dead |journal=Air Force Magazine |location=Arlington, Virginia |publisher=[[Air Force Association]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040206211941/http://www.afa.org/magazine/Feb2004/0204tanker.asp |archive-date=6 February 2004 |access-date=23 October 2014}}</ref> In December 2003, the Pentagon froze the contract and in January 2006, the [[Boeing KC-767|KC-767]] contract was canceled. This move followed public revelations of corruption in how the contract was awarded, as well as controversy regarding the original leasing rather than outright purchase agreement. The then Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld stated that that move would in no way impair the Air Force's ability to deliver the mission of the KC-767, which would be accomplished by implementing continuing upgrades to the KC-135 and [[KC-10 Extender]] fleet.

In January 2007, the U.S. Air Force launched the [[KC-X]] program with a [[request for proposal]] (RFP). KC-X was the first phase of three acquisition programs meant to replace the KC-135 fleet.<ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Staff writer(s) --> |title=Air Force Posts Request for Proposals for Tankers |url=http://www.defenselink.mil/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=10463 |publisher=US Department of Defense |date=30 January 2007 |access-date=23 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091201003718/http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?ReleaseID=10463 |archive-date=1 December 2009}}</ref> On 29 February 2008, the US Defense Department announced that it had selected the [[EADS]]/[[Northrop Grumman]] [[Airbus A330 MRTT|"KC-30"]] (to be designated the [[Northrop Grumman KC-45|KC-45A]]) over the Boeing KC-767.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=29 February 2008 |title=Tanker Contract Award Announced |url=http://www.940wg.afrc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123089448 |agency=Air Force Print News |access-date=23 October 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104021504/http://www.940wg.afrc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123089448 |archive-date=4 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gilmore |first=Gerry J. |date=29 February 2008 |title=Air Force Awards Tanker Contract to Northrop Grumman |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/id/49134/ |agency=American Forces Press Service |access-date=23 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023172126/http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49134 |archive-date=23 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Kent |last2=Putrich |first2=Gayle S. |last3=Tran |first3=Pierre |date=29 February 2008 |title=Tanker Contract Decision Announced |url=http://www.armytimes.com/article/20080229/NEWS/802290317/Tanker-contract-decision-announced |newspaper=Army Times |location=Springfield, Virginia |access-date=23 October 2014}}</ref> Boeing protested the award on 11 March 2008, citing irregularities in the competition and bid evaluation.<ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Boeing Protests U.S. Air Force Tanker Contract Award |url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2008-03-11-Boeing-Protests-U-S-Air-Force-Tanker-Contract-Award |location=St Louis, Missouri |publisher=Boeing |date=11 March 2008 |access-date=23 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023170605/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2008-03-11-Boeing-Protests-U-S-Air-Force-Tanker-Contract-Award |archive-date=23 October 2014}}</ref> On 18 June 2008, the US [[Government Accountability Office]] sustained Boeing's protest of the selection of the Northrop Grumman/EADS's tanker.<ref name=GAOdecision>{{cite web |title=B-311344; B-311344.3; B-311344.4; B-311344.6; B-311344.7; B-311344.8; B-311344.10; B-311344.11, The Boeing Company, June 18, 2008 |url=http://www.gao.gov/decisions/bidpro/311344.htm |date=18 June 2008 |author=Gary L. Kepplinger, General Counsel |access-date=23 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023174045/http://www.gao.gov/decisions/bidpro/311344.htm |archive-date=23 October 2014}}</ref> In February 2010, the US Air Force restarted the KC-X competition with the release of a revised request for proposal (RFP).<ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=KC-X Tanker Modernization Program, Solicitation Number: FA8625-10-R-6600 |url=https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=e65e1ab7f225d6454f5fa8a10556cbfa&tab=core&_cview=1 |publisher=US Department of Defense |date=8 February 2010 |access-date=23 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023175630/https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=e65e1ab7f225d6454f5fa8a10556cbfa&tab=core&_cview=1 |archive-date=23 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Reed |first=John |date=25 February 2010 |title=USAF Sets KC-X First Flight, IOC Dates |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20100225/DEFSECT01/2250306/USAF-Sets-KC-X-First-Flight-IOC-Dates |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120529195044/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20100225/DEFSECT01/2250306/USAF-Sets-KC-X-First-Flight-IOC-Dates |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 May 2012 |newspaper=Defense News |location=Springfield, Virginia |access-date=23 October 2014}}</ref> After evaluating bids, the USAF selected Boeing's 767-based tanker design, with the military designation [[Boeing KC-46 Pegasus|KC-46]], as a replacement in February 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://money.cnn.com/2011/02/24/news/economy/pentagon_tanker_contract/index.htm?hpt=T2 |publisher=CNN |first=Charles |last=Riley |title=Air Force awards Boeing $35 billion contract |date=24 February 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110228070514/https://money.cnn.com/2011/02/24/news/economy/pentagon_tanker_contract/index.htm?hpt=T2 |archive-date=28 February 2011}}</ref> The first KC-46A Pegasus was delivered to the U.S. Air Force on 10 January 2019.<ref name=Boeing10jan2019>{{cite press release |url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2019-01-10-U-S-Air-Force-Accepts-First-Boeing-KC-46A-Pegasus-Tanker-Aircraft |title=U.S. Air Force Accepts First Boeing KC-46A Pegasus Tanker Aircraft |date=10 January 2019 |publisher=Boeing |access-date=28 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110235116/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2019-01-10-U-S-Air-Force-Accepts-First-Boeing-KC-46A-Pegasus-Tanker-Aircraft |archive-date=10 January 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><!-- For details, etc on the replacement program go to the KC-X article. -->

Two export users of the KC-135, the [[French Air and Space Force]] and the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] took deliveries of Airbus A330 MRTTs as replacements for their Stratotankers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2018-09-02/singapore-officially-unveils-a330-mrtt |title=Singapore Officially Unveils A330 MRTT |work=AINOnline |last=Chuanren |first=Chen |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202024710/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2018-09-02/singapore-officially-unveils-a330-mrtt |archive-date=2 December 2018 |date=2 December 2018 |access-date=19 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://theaviationist.com/2018/07/06/here-are-the-very-first-photos-of-the-new-a330-multi-role-tanker-transport-in-french-air-force-livery/ |title=Here Are The Very First Photos of the New A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport in French Air Force Livery |work=The Aviationist |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809061013/https://theaviationist.com/2018/07/06/here-are-the-very-first-photos-of-the-new-a330-multi-role-tanker-transport-in-french-air-force-livery/ |archive-date=9 August 2018 |last=Cenciotti |first=David |date=6 July 2018 |access-date=19 July 2022}}</ref>

==Variants==
{{Hatnote|See [[Boeing C-135 Stratolifter]] for further details on the C-135 family.}}
[[File:KC135family.jpg|thumb|Active KC-135 [[Aircraft livery|aircraft liveries]]]]

===KC-135A===
Original production version powered by four Pratt & Whitney [[Pratt & Whitney JT3C|J57]]s, 732 built.  Initial production batch of 29 aircraft was given the company designation '''Model 717-100A''', while the later batches of 68 and 635 aircraft were respectively designated '''717-146''' and '''717-148'''.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Simpson |first=Roderick W. |title=Airlife's commercial aircraft and airliners |date=1999 |publisher=Airlife |isbn=978-1-84037-073-7 |edition=1. publ |location=Shrewsbury |pages=63–64}}</ref>

===NKC-135A===
{{main|Boeing NC-135#Readiness Program}}
Test-configured KC-135A.{{cn|date=September 2025}}

===KC-135B===
{{main|Boeing EC-135#Looking Glass}}
Airborne command post version equipped with turbofan engines, 17 built.  Provided with in-flight refueling capability and redesignated EC-135C.<ref name="Encyl_aircr">Donald, David. "Boeing Model 717 (C/KC-135 Stratoliner/Stratotanker)." ''The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft''. Barnes & Noble Books, 1997. {{ISBN|0-7607-0592-5}}.</ref>  Company designation '''Model 717-166'''.<ref name=":12">{{Cite book |last=Simpson |first=Roderick W. |title=Airlife's commercial aircraft and airliners |date=1999 |publisher=Airlife |isbn=978-1-84037-073-7 |edition=1. publ |location=Shrewsbury |pages=67}}</ref>

===KC-135D===
All four [[Boeing RC-135#RC-135A|RC-135A]]s (''Pacer Swan'') were modified to partial KC-135A configuration in 1979.<ref name="DoD Models">{{cite web |author1=Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment |title=DoD 4120.15-L: Model Designation of Military Aerospace Vehicles |url=https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/412015l.pdf |website=DoD Washington Headquarters Services |publisher=DoD |access-date=28 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112023935/https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/412015l.pdf |archive-date=12 November 2020 |date=31 August 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated1">Hopkins, p.144</ref> The four aircraft (serial numbers ''63-8058, 63-8059, 63-8060'' and ''63-8061'') were given a unique designation KC-135D as they differed from the KC-135A in that they were built with a flight engineer's position on the flight deck.<ref>Pither, Page 73</ref> The flight engineer's position was removed when the aircraft were modified to KC-135 standards but they retained their electrically powered wing flap secondary (emergency) drive mechanism and second air conditioning pack which had been used to cool the RC-135As on-board photo-mapping systems.<ref>Hopkins, pp. 142–144.</ref> Later re-engined with Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines and a cockpit update to KC-135E standards in 1990 and were retired to the 309th AMARG at [[Davis-Monthan AFB]], AZ in 2007.<ref name="autogenerated1" /><ref>Pither, p. 73.</ref>

===KC-135E===
Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve KC-135As re-engined with Pratt & Whitney TF33-PW-102 engines from retired 707 airliners (161 modified). All E model aircraft were retired to the 309th AMARG at [[Davis-Monthan AFB]] by September 2009 and replaced with R models.<ref name="KC-135E"/><ref>Baker, MSgt Burke. [https://www.af.mil/News/story/id/123099872/ "48-year-old KC-135 retires"], Air Force news, 22 May 2008.</ref>

===NKC-135E===
{{main|Boeing NC-135#Big Crow}}
Test-configured KC-135E. 55-3132 NKC-135E "Big Crow I" & 63-8050 NKC-135B "Big Crow II" used as airborne targets for the [[Boeing YAL-1]] Airborne Laser carrier.{{cn|date=September 2025}}

===KC-135Q===
KC-135As modified to carry [[JP-7]] fuel necessary for the SR-71 Blackbird, 56 modified,<ref name="Encyl_aircr"/> survivors to KC-135T.{{cn|date=September 2025}}

===KC-135R (1960s)===
4 JC/KC-135As converted to ''Rivet Stand'' (Later ''Rivet Quick'') configuration for reconnaissance and evaluation of above ground nuclear test (55-3121, 59–1465, 59–1514, 58–0126; 58-0126 replaced 59-1465 after it crashed in 1967).  These aircraft were powered by Pratt & Whitney J57 engines and were based at [[Offutt AFB]], [[Nebraska]].{{cn|date=September 2025}}

===KC-135R===
[[File:KC-135R Stratotanker (62-3567) of the Turkish Air Force arrives 2016 RIAT 7Jul2016 arp.jpg|thumb|Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker (code 62–3567) of the [[Turkish Air Force]] arrives at the 2016 [[Royal International Air Tattoo]], [[England]] ]]

KC-135As and some KC-135Es re-engined with [[CFM56]] engines, more than 417 converted.<ref name=AF_fact_sheet/>

===KC-135R(RT)===
Receiver-capable KC-135R Stratotanker; eight modified with either a Boeing or LTV receiver system and a secure voice SATCOM radio. Three of the aircraft (60-0356, -0357, and -0362) were converted to tankers from [[Boeing RC-135#RC-135D Office Boy / Rivet Brass|RC-135D]]s, from which they retained their added equipment.

===KC-135T===
KC-135Q re-engined with CFM56 engines, 54 modified.{{cn|date=September 2025}}

===C-135F===
A new-built variant for [[France]] as dual-role tanker/cargo and troop carrier aircraft.<ref name="DoD Models"/> 12 were built for the [[French Air Force]] with the addition of a drogue adapter on the refueling boom. Given Boeing model numbers 717-164 and 717-165.<ref name=DrBob>{{cite book |title=The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker; More Than a Tanker |last=Hopkins III |first=Robert S. |year=2017 |pages=114–117 |publisher=Crecy Publishing Limited |isbn=978-1-91080-901-3}}</ref>

===C-135FR===
11 surviving C-135Fs upgraded with CFM International F108 turbofans between 1985 and 1988. Later modified with MPRS wing pods.<ref name=DrBob/>

===EC-135Y===
{{main|Boeing EC-135#USCENTCOM Support}}
An airborne command post modified in 1984 to support [[USCENTCOM|CINCCENT]].  Aircraft 55-3125 was the only EC-135Y.  Unlike its sister EC-135N, it was a true tanker that could also receive in-flight refueling. Pratt & Whitney TF33-PW-102.  Retired to 309th AMARG at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ.

==Operators==
{{Update section|date=May 2023}}
;{{CHL}}
* [[Chilean Air Force]] operates 3 KC-135Es.  It received its first KC-135E in February 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.modocharlie.com/2010/02/llego-el-1er-kc-135e-para-la-fach/ |title=Llegó el 1er KC-135E para la FACh – ModoCharlie |date=16 February 2010 |website=modocharlie.com |access-date=26 April 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324141051/http://modocharlie.com/2010/02/llego-el-1er-kc-135e-para-la-fach/ |archive-date=24 March 2017}}</ref>
[[File:62-3563 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker Turkey - Air Force (43417006652).jpg|thumb|Turkish KC-135R Stratotanker nicknamed ''[[Asena]]''.]]
;{{TUR}}
* [[Turkish Air Force]] operates 7 KC-135Rs.

[[File:KC-135 Stratotanker Elephant Walk.jpg|thumb|Six KC-135 Stratotankers demonstrate the [[Elephant walk (aviation)|elephant walk]] formation.]]
[[File:Kc135-3533-marchafb-lg.jpg|thumb|Cargo door of a USAF KC-135 of the 452d AMW at [[March Air Reserve Base]]]]
[[File:Pease_Air_National_Guard_Base_03Sept2013.jpg|thumb|64 ARS and 157 ARW personnel working on a KC-135R at [[Pease Air National Guard Base|Pease ANGB]] in September 2013]]
;{{Flagu|United States}}
* [[United States Air Force]] operates 398 KC-135s (156 [[active duty]], 70 Air Force Reserve, and 172 Air National Guard) {{as of|2017|5|df=US|lc=y}}.<ref name=USAF_Almanac>[http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2017/June%202017/0617GrudoAllFactsFigures.pdf "2017 USAF Almanac, Fact and Figures"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426002339/http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2017/June%202017/0617GrudoAllFactsFigures.pdf |date=26 April 2018}}. Air Force Magazine, May 2017.</ref>
** [[57th Wing]] – [[Nellis Air Force Base]], [[Nevada]]
***[[509th Weapons Squadron]]  – [[Fairchild Air Force Base]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]]
** [[97th Air Mobility Wing]]  – [[Altus Air Force Base]], [[Oklahoma]]
***[[54th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[412th Test Wing]] – [[Edwards AFB]], California
***[[412th Flight Test Squadron]]
***[[418th Flight Test Squadron]] 
** [[6th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[MacDill Air Force Base|MacDill AFB]], [[Florida]]
***[[50th Air Refueling Squadron]]
***[[91st Air Refueling Squadron]]
***[[99th Air Refueling Squadron]] – [[Birmingham Air National Guard Base]], [[Alabama]] (Associate with 117th ARW)
** [[22d Air Refueling Wing]] – [[McConnell Air Force Base|McConnell AFB]], [[Kansas]]
***[[349th Air Refueling Squadron]]
***[[350th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[92d Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Fairchild Air Force Base|Fairchild AFB]], Washington
***[[92d Air Refueling Squadron]]
***[[93d Air Refueling Squadron]]
***[[97th Air Refueling Squadron]]
***[[384th Air Refueling Squadron]]
***[[912th Air Refueling Squadron]] – [[March ARB]], California (Associate with 452d ARW)
** [[375th Air Mobility Wing]] – [[Scott Air Force Base|Scott AFB]], [[Illinois]]
***[[906th Air Refueling Squadron]] (associate with 126th ARW)
** [[18th Wing]] – [[Kadena Air Base|Kadena AB]], [[Japan]]
***[[909th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[100th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[RAF Mildenhall]], [[England]], UK
***[[351st Air Refueling Squadron]]
*[[Air Force Reserve]]
** [[434th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Grissom Joint Air Reserve Base|Grissom ARB]], [[Indiana]]
***[[72d Air Refueling Squadron]]
***[[74th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[452d Air Mobility Wing]] – [[March Joint Air Reserve Base|March ARB]], California
***[[336th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[459th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Andrews Air Force Base|Andrews AFB]], [[Maryland]]
***[[756th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[507th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Tinker Air Force Base|Tinker AFB]], Oklahoma
***[[465th Air Refueling Squadron]]
***[[730th Air Mobility Training Squadron]] (Altus AFB, Oklahoma)
**[[914th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station|Niagara Falls International Airport]], [[New York (state)|New York]]
***[[328th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[927th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[MacDill Air Force Base|MacDill AFB]], [[Florida]] (Associate with 6th AMW)
***[[63d Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[931st Air Refueling Group]] – [[McConnell AFB]], [[Kansas]] (Associate with 22d ARW)
***[[18th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[940th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Beale AFB]], California
***[[314th Air Refueling Squadron]]
*[[Air National Guard]]
** [[101st Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Bangor, Maine]]
***[[132d Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[117th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Birmingham, Alabama]]
***[[106th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[121st Air Refueling Wing]]  – [[Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base|Rickenbacker ANGB]], [[Ohio]]
***[[166th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[126th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Scott AFB]], Illinois
***[[108th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[127th Wing]] – [[Selfridge Air National Guard Base|Selfridge ANGB]], [[Michigan]]
***[[171st Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[128th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Milwaukee]], [[Wisconsin]]
***[[126th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[134th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Knoxville]], [[Tennessee]]
***[[151st Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[141st Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Fairchild AFB]], Washington (Associate with 92d ARW)
***[[116th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[151st Wing]] – [[Salt Lake City]], [[Utah]]
***[[191st Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[154th Wing]] – [[Hickam AFB]], [[Hawaii]]
***[[203d Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[155th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Lincoln, Nebraska]]
***[[173rd Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[161st Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport]] / [[Goldwater Air National Guard Base]], [[Arizona]]
***[[197th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[168th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Eielson AFB]], [[Alaska]]
***[[168th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[171st Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Pittsburgh IAP Air Reserve Station]], [[Pennsylvania]]
***[[146th Air Refueling Squadron]]
***[[147th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[185th Air Refueling Wing]]  – [[Sioux City]], [[Iowa]]
***[[174th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[186th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Meridian, Mississippi]]
***[[153d Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[190th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Topeka]], Kansas
***[[117th Air Refueling Squadron]]
[[File:KC-135 (53177452604).jpg|thumb|KC-135R of Metrea at [[Royal International Air Tattoo]] 2023]]
* [[Metrea]] (Formerly Meta Aerospace) operates 15 KC-135Rs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://meta.aero/msm/ |title=Meta Strategic Mobility |website=Meta Aerospace |access-date=25 November 2021 |archive-date=25 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125113247/https://meta.aero/msm/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> 4 aircraft were purchased from the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] when the latter retired them in 2019. They were delivered in late 2020.<ref name=renamed_from_140413_on_20211125133425/> 11 more aircraft were purchased from the [[French Air and Space Force]] in June 2024, with 3 more to be delivered at an undetermined date.<ref name="Trevithick">{{Cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=2024-07-10 |title=All of France's KC-135 Tankers Bought By Private Aerial Refueling Company Metrea |url=https://www.twz.com/air/all-of-frances-kc-135-tankers-bought-by-private-aerial-refueling-company-metrea |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=The War Zone |language=en-US}}</ref>

Note [[Italy]] has been reported in some sources as operating several KC-135s,<ref>[http://www.seattlepi.com/business/30685_tanker10.shtml "Boeing wins Italian bid military 767s"], Italy operates 4 KC-135s, ''Seattle Post-Intelligencer'', 10 July 2001</ref> however these are Boeing 707-300s converted to tanker configuration.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/italy/italaf4.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080427182121/http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/italy/italaf4.htm |url-status=dead |title=Aeroflight's listing of Italian Air Force aircraft |archive-date=27 April 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airlinerlist.com/ |title=Airframe tracking information from Airlinerlist.com |website=airlinerlist.com |access-date=26 April 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001141658/http://www.airlinerlist.com/ |archive-date=1 October 2017}}</ref>

=== Future operators ===
;{{IND}}
* [[Indian Air Force]]: One to be [[wet leased]] from [[Metrea]] for training IAF and the [[Indian Navy]] pilots.<ref name=":03">{{Cite news |date=2025-03-28 |title=MoD inks two contracts worth Rs 62,700 crore with HAL for supply of 156 LCH, Prachand to the Armed Forces |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2116411 |access-date=2025-03-29 |work=[[Press Information Bureau]]}}</ref> Requirement for such an aircraft was reported in August 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nayak |first=Amrita |date=2023-08-30 |title=To fill a critical gap, Indian Air Force looks to buy six mid-air refuellers |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/to-fill-a-critical-gap-iaf-looks-to-buy-six-mid-air-refuellers-8915461/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241102164620/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/to-fill-a-critical-gap-iaf-looks-to-buy-six-mid-air-refuellers-8915461/ |archive-date=2024-11-02 |access-date=2025-06-10 |work=The Indian Express |language=en-US}}</ref> Aircraft will be based at [[Agra Airport|AFS Agra]] and will aid in pilot training for the IAF and the [[Indian Naval Air Arm]] prior to retirement of [[Ilyushin Il-78|Il-78MKI]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-30 |title=IAF to Enhance Air-to-Air Refuelling Training with Its First-Ever Wet-Leased KC-135 Stratotanker from Metrea |url=https://defence.in/threads/iaf-to-enhance-air-to-air-refuelling-training-with-its-first-ever-wet-leased-kc-135-stratotanker-from-metrea.15397/ |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=Defence News India |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Former operators===
;{{FRA}}
* [[French Air and Space Force]] operated 12 C-135FRs, beginning in 1964. They were replaced by Airbus A330 MRTTs, French military designation Phénix, from October 2020 to December 2023.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2023-12-19 |title=Mise à la retraite du dernier C-135FR, mais pas avant une dernière partie de Poker |url=https://air-cosmos.com/article/mise-a-la-retraite-du-dernier-c-135fr-mais-pas-avant-une-derniere-partie-de-poker-68118 |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=Air et Cosmos |language=fr}}</ref> The tankers were then sold to private aerospace firm Metrea in June 2024.<ref name="Trevithick"/>
;{{SIN}}
* [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] operated 4 former USAF KC-135R tankers, first delivered 10 September 1999;<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/1999/news_release_990910n.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014221733/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/1999/news_release_990910n.htm |url-status=dead |title=Boeing: Boeing Delivers First KC-135R to Singapore Air Force |archive-date=14 October 2007}}</ref> they were occasionally used as VIP, aeromedical transports{{citation needed|date=December 2013}} and military support.<ref>{{cite news |title=Singapore to join coalition against Islamic State |url=http://features.insing.com/feature/singapore-to-join-coalition-against-islamic-state/id-315a3101/ |access-date=4 November 2014 |agency=Agence France-Presse |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104213412/http://features.insing.com/feature/singapore-to-join-coalition-against-islamic-state/id-315a3101/ |archive-date=4 November 2014}}</ref> The aircraft were retired in June 2019, having been replaced in service by 6 [[Airbus A330 MRTT]]s. They were subsequently purchased by private US defense services company Metrea (Formerly Meta Aerospace) in October 2020.<ref name=renamed_from_140413_on_20211125133425>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/rsaf-kc-135rs-find-new-home-with-us-firm-meta-aerospace/140413.article |title=RSAF KC-135Rs find new home with US firm Meta Aerospace |website=FlightGlobal |date=1 October 2020 |access-date=25 November 2021}}</ref>

;{{USA}}
* [[NASA]] (until 2004)
* United States Air Force
** [[6th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[MacDill Air Force Base|MacDill AFB]], [[Florida]]
***[[911th Air Refueling Squadron]] – [[Seymour-Johnson AFB]], [[North Carolina]] (Associate with 916th ARW)
** [[22d Air Refueling Wing]] – [[McConnell Air Force Base|McConnell AFB]], [[Kansas]]
***[[344th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[97th Air Mobility Wing]]  – [[Altus Air Force Base]], [[Oklahoma]]
***[[55th Air Refueling Squadron]] (1994–2009)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.altus.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/352069/chronology-of-altus-air-force-base/ |title=Chronology of Altus Air Force Base |access-date=24 October 2022}}</ref>
** [[916th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Seymour Johnson Air Force Base|Seymour Johnson AFB]], [[North Carolina]]
***[[77th Air Refueling Squadron]]
** [[931st Air Refueling Group]] – [[McConnell AFB]], [[Kansas]] (Associate with 22d ARW)
***[[924th Air Refueling Squadron]]
* Air National Guard
** [[107th Attack Wing|107th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station|Niagara Falls ARS]], New York
*** [[136th Attack Squadron|136th Air Refueling Squadron]] (1994–2008)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dmna.ny.gov/pressroom/?id=1201000500 |title=107th Air Refueling Wing Bids Veteran Tanker Aircraft Goodbye |publisher=New York State: Division of Military and Naval Affairs |date=23 January 2008 |access-date=22 May 2021}}</ref>
** [[108th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[McGuire Air Force Base|McGuire AFB]], New Jersey
*** [[141st Air Refueling Squadron]] (2007–2023) 
** [[121st Air Refueling Wing]] – Rickenbacker ANGB, Ohio
*** [[145th Air Refueling Squadron]] (1975–2013)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.121arw.ang.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2000909825/ |publisher=121st Air Refueling Wing |title=End of an Era |date=24 September 2013 |access-date=22 May 2021}}</ref>
** [[137th Special Operations Wing|137th Air Refueling Wing]] – Tinker AFB, Oklahoma
*** [[185th Special Operations Squadron|185th Air Refueling Squadron]] (2008–2015)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/totalforcetinkertogetnewfacility/ |title=Total Force Tinker to Get New Facility |website=Air Force Magazine |date=22 September 2008 |access-date=22 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Micah |last=Campbell |url=https://www.nationalguard.mil/News/Article/607829/oklahomas-137th-air-refueling-wing-closes-one-chapter-before-moving-to-next-mis/ |title=Oklahoma's 137th Air Refueling Wing closes one chapter before moving to next mission |publisher=National Guard |date=10 July 2015 |access-date=22 May 2021}}</ref>
** [[157th Air Refueling Wing]] –  [[Pease Air National Guard Base|Pease ANGB]], [[New Hampshire]] 
*** [[133d Air Refueling Squadron]] (1975–2019)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.157arw.ang.af.mil/Portals/51/documents/AFD-110602-020.pdf?ver=2016-12-05-102624-423 |title=Granite Wings: The N.H. Air National Guard's History book – 1947–1998 |publisher=New Hampshire Air National Guard |access-date=22 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.157arw.ang.af.mil/News/Article/1799202/end-of-an-era/ |title=End of an Era |publisher=157th Air Refueling Wing |date=28 March 2019 |access-date=22 May 2021}}</ref>
** [[163d Attack Wing|163rd Air Refueling Wing]] – March ARB, California
*** [[196th Attack Squadron|196th Air Refueling Squadron]] (1993–2006)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.163atkw.ang.af.mil/About-Us/History/ |title=History |publisher=163d Attack Wing |access-date=22 May 2021}}</ref>
** [[184th Wing|184th Air Refueling Wing]] – McConnell AFB, Kansas
*** [[127th Command and Control Squadron|127th Air Refueling Squadron]] (2002–2008)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.184iw.ang.af.mil/About-Us/Unit-History/ |title=The History of the 184th Wing |publisher=184th Wing |access-date=22 May 2021}}</ref>
** [[189th Airlift Wing|189th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Little Rock Air Force Base|Little Rock AFB]], [[Arkansas]]
*** [[154th Training Squadron|154th Air Refueling Squadron]] (1973–1986)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.littlerock.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=13230 |title=Factsheets: 189th Airlift Wing |publisher=189th Airlift Wing |date=20 October 2008 |access-date=22 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040812/http://www.littlerock.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=13230 |archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>

==Accidents==
{{For|accidents involving other C-135 variants|Boeing C-135 Stratolifter|Boeing RC-135|Boeing EC-135|Boeing NC-135|Boeing WC-135 Constant Phoenix}}

As of 2020, 52 Stratotankers have been lost to accidents during the over sixty years of service, involving 385 fatalities.

;27 June 1958: USAF KC-135A, [[United States military aircraft serials|serial number]] ''56-3599'', [[Westover Air Force Base KC-135 crash|stalled and crashed]] at [[Westover Air Force Base]] after the crew failed to extend the flaps on takeoff, killing all 15 on board. The aircraft was attempting a world speed record between New York and London.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=56-3599 |id=19580627-0 |access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref>
;31 March 1959: USAF KC-135A, ''58-0002'', entered a thunderstorm near [[Killeen, Texas|Killeen]], Texas. Two engines separated and one of the engines struck the tail, causing loss of control. The aircraft crashed on a hillside, killing all four crew on board. The aircraft had been delivered just six weeks before the accident.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=58-0002 |id=19590331-0 |access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref>
;15 October 1959: USAF KC-135A, ''57-1513'', collided in mid-air with B-52F ''57-0036'' at {{convert|32,000|ft|m}} over [[Leitchfield, Kentucky|Leitchfield]], Kentucky, killing all six on board both aircraft.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=57-1513 |id=19591015-1 |access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref>
;3 February 1960: USAF KC-135A, ''56-3628'', crashed on takeoff in extremely gusty [[crosswind]] conditions at Roswell-[[Walker AFB]], New Mexico.  The airplane skidded into two other KC-135 tankers (57-1449 and 57–1457) and a hangar and burst into flames.  The aircraft was on a training flight, but the instructor pilot was occupying the [[jump seat]] instead of one of the pilot seats as directed by the local commander.  The destruction of three aircraft, along with the death of all six in the crew plus an additional two deaths on the ground made this a unique mishap.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=56-3628 |id=19600203-0 |access-date=16 August 2013}}</ref>
;18 November 1960: USAF KC-135A, ''56-3605'', crashed on landing at [[Loring Air Force Base]] due to an excessive sink rate, killing one of 17 on board.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=56-3605 |id=19601118-0 |access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref>
;9 May 1962: USAF KC-135A, ''56-3618'', crashed on takeoff from Loring Air Force Base due to engine failure, killing all six on board.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=56-3618 |id=19620509-0 |access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref>
;8 August 1962: USAF KC-135A, ''55-3144'', crashed on approach to Runway 11 at [[Hanscom Field]] in Bedford, Massachusetts, killing all three on board. Stock footage of this same aircraft had been used during the opening credits of the film ''[[Dr. Strangelove]]''.
;10 September 1962: USAF KC-135A, ''60-0352'' on a flight from [[Ellsworth Air Force Base]] to [[Fairchild Air Force Base]] crashed into a mountain just 20 miles (32&nbsp;km) northeast of [[Spokane, Washington|Spokane]], Washington. The flight hit fog on approach to the air base and hit [[Mount Kit Carson]], a {{cvt|5,271|ft|m}} mountain. The crash killed all four crew and 40 passengers on board.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=60-0352 |id=19620910-2 |access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref>
;27 February 1963: USAF KC-135A, ''56-3597'', crashed on takeoff at [[Eielson Air Force Base]] due to engine separation, killing all seven on board; two on the ground died when debris from the crash struck a guard house and nearby waiting room.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=56-3597 |id=19630227-0 |access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref>
;21 June 1963: USAF KC-135A-BN Stratotanker, ''57-1498'' out of Westover AFB crashed on approach during a training flight in a wooded area near Belchertown, Massachusetts. One of the four occupants was killed.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=57-1498 |id=19630621-1 |access-date=25 October 2013}}</ref>
;28 August 1963: USAF KC-135A, ''61-0322'', collided in mid-air with KC-135A ''61-0319'' {{convert|300|mi|km}} west of [[Bermuda]], killing all 11 on board both aircraft.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=61-0322 |id=19630828-1 |access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{ASN accident |title=61-0319 |id=19630828-0 |access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref>
;8 July 1964: USAF KC-135A, ''60-0340'', collided in mid-air with F-105 Thunderchief ''61-0091'' during in-flight refueling over Death Valley, California, killing all five on board both aircraft.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=60-0340 |id=19640708-0 |access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref>
;4 January 1965: USAF KC-135A, ''61-0265'', crashed on climbout from Loring Air Force Base after two engines separated, killing all four on board.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=61-0265 |id=19650104-0 |access-date=8 May 2013}}</ref>
;16 January 1965: USAF KC-135A ''57-1442'', [[1965 USAF KC-135 Wichita crash|crashed]] after its rudder control system suffered a malfunction<ref name="Kansapedia">{{cite web |last1=Grawe |first1=Jim |title=Wichita Airplane Crash 1965 |url=https://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/wichita-airplane-crash-1965/19104 |website=Kansapedia |access-date=6 January 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206083441/http://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/wichita-airplane-crash-1965/19104 |archive-date=6 December 2016}}</ref> shortly after takeoff from [[McConnell Air Force Base]], Kansas.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=57-1442 |id=19650116-0 |access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref> The fuel-laden plane crashed in northeast [[Wichita, Kansas|Wichita]] at a street intersection and caused a considerable fire. A total of 30 were killed, including 23 on the ground and the seven member crew.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=1965 KC-135 tanker crash on Piatt St. |url=http://www.kansas.com/2011/01/15/1674628/1965-kc-135-tanker-crash-on-piatt.html |newspaper=Wichita Eagle |location=Wichita, Kansas |date=15 January 2011 |access-date=21 October 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214124328/http://www.kansas.com/2011/01/15/1674628/1965-kc-135-tanker-crash-on-piatt.html |archive-date=14 December 2013}}</ref>
;26 February 1965: USAF KC-135A, ''63-8882'', collided in mid-air with B-47E ''52-0171'' over the [[Atlantic Ocean]], killing all eight on board both aircraft.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=63-8882 |id=19650226-0 |access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref>
;3 June 1965: USAF KC-135A, ''63-8042'', lost electrical power on takeoff and crashed at Walker Air Force Base, killing all five on board.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=63-8042 |id=19650603-0 |access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref>
;17 January 1966: [[1966 Palomares incident|A fatal collision]] occurred between a B-52G, ''58-0256'', and a KC-135A, ''61-0273'', flying out of [[Moron AB]], Spain while flying over [[Palomares, Almería|Palomares]], Spain.  The B-52G was on an [[Operation Chrome Dome]] mission, which required multiple air refuelings.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=61-0273 |id=19660117-0 |access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref> The mishap caused both aircraft to break up in mid-air and killed all four crew members on the KC-135A and three of the seven on the B-52G, while causing radiological contamination, as nuclear weapons had to be recovered from on land and at sea, nearby.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Spain, U.S. Agree to Radioactivity Cleanup 40 Years After Atomic Accident. |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/2006/10/08/spain-us-agree-to-radioactivity-cleanup-40-years-after-atomic-accident/ |publisher=Fox News |date=8 October 2006 |access-date=21 October 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111050652/http://www.foxnews.com/story/2006/10/08/spain-us-agree-to-radioactivity-cleanup-40-years-after-atomic-accident/ |archive-date=11 January 2014}}</ref>
;19 May 1966: USAF KC-135A, ''57-1444'', of 4252nd Strategic Wing, crashed on takeoff from [[Kadena Air Base]], killing all 11 on board as well as a motorist on nearby Highway 16. The aircraft was bound for [[Yokota Air Base]] to repair a KC-135 when it lifted off too soon during a heavy-weight takeoff.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=57-1444 |id=19660519-0 |access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref>
;19 January 1967: USAF KC-135A, ''56-3613'', crashed into Shadow Mountain, foothill of [[Mount Spokane]] (elevation {{cvt|4,340|ft|m}} MSL) while descending towards Fairchild Air Force Base, killing all nine on board.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=56-3613 |id=19670119-1 |access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref>
;17 January 1968: USAF KC-135A, ''58-0026'', stalled and crashed at Minot Air Force Base after the pilot overrotated the aircraft during takeoff in a snowstorm, killing all 13 on board including the 15th Air Force Vice Commander MGen Charles Eisenhart. This accident was instrumental in the decision to refit the KC-135 fleet with the Collins FD-109(V) integrated flight director system, in place of the earlier "round dial" cockpit layout.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=58-0026 |id=19680117-1 |access-date=8 May 2013}}</ref>
;30 July 1968: USAF KC-135A, ''56-3655'', crashed on Mount Lassen after the vertical stabilizer broke off after a sharp turn while practicing an emergency descent, killing all nine on board.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=56-3655 |id=19680730-0 |access-date=8 May 2013}}</ref>
;24 September 1968: USAF KC-135A, ''55-3133'', crashed on landing at Wake Island, Micronesia.  Aircraft developed engine problems while en route from Andersen AFB, Guam to Hickam AFB, Hawaii and during landing at Wake Island the aircraft contacted the surface of the water and bounced onto the east end of the runway.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=55-3133A |id=19680924-0 |access-date=20 October 2014}}</ref> There were 11 fatalities out 56 persons on board.<ref>{{cite news |last=Shalhoup |first=Dean |date=28 May 2011 |title=Fateful flight for Nashua airman |url=http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/920957-196/fateful-flight-for-nashua-airman.html |newspaper=Nashua Telegraph |location=Nashua, New Hampshire |access-date=20 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215246/http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/920957-196/fateful-flight-for-nashua-airman.html |archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref>
;1 October 1968: USAF KC-135A, ''55-3138'', struck concrete and steel light poles on takeoff and crashed at U-Tapao Airport, Thailand after a loss of power in an engine and resultant loss of control, killing all four on board.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=55-3138 |id=19681001-0 |access-date=8 May 2013}}</ref>
;22 October 1968: USAF KC-135A, ''61-0301'', flew into a mountain while descending to Ching Chuan Kang Air Base, Taiwan, killing all six on board.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=61-0301 |id=19681022-0 |-=8 May 2013}}</ref>
;19 December 1969: USAF KC-135A, ''56-3629'', crashed into the sea on climbout from Ching Chuan Kang Air Base due to low-level windshear, killing all four on board.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=58-0031 |id=19691219-0 |access-date=8 May 2013}}</ref>
;3 June 1971: USAF KC-135Q, ''58-0039'', exploded in mid-air and crashed at Centenera, Spain, killing all five on board.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=58-0039 |id=19710603-1 |access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref>
;13 March 1972: KC-135A, ''58-0048'', crashed while landing at Carswell AFB.  Its right wing struck the ground, which led to the airplane exploding and killing all 5 on board.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=58-0048 |id=19720313-0 |access-date=23 April 2014}}</ref>
;8 March 1973: USAF KC-135A, ''63-7989'', collided with KC-135 ''63-7980'' on the ramp at Lockbourne Air Force Base and caught fire, killing two of five on board.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=63-7989 |id=19730308-0 |access-date=8 May 2013}}</ref>
;7 December 1975: USAF KC-135A, ''60-0354'', from Plattsburgh AFB, New York, crashed after takeoff at Eielson AFB, Alaska, killing all four crewmembers.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=60-0354 |id=19751207-0 |access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref> Launch was delayed because of problems with the receiver aircraft. The KC-135 was required to sit at the end of the runway in extremely cold weather, without heat, with engines shut down. Repeated requests for a mobile heat source were denied by the command post. Landing gear failed to retract after takeoff. Crewmembers may have suffered from hypothermia.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hoctor |first=Christopher J.B. |date=January 2014 |title=Voices from an Old Warrior: Why KC-135 Safety Matters |url=http://www.theboomsignal.net/pdf/Voices_from_an_Old_Warrior.pdf |location=Columbia, Missouri |publisher=Mizzou Publishing |page=63 |isbn=9781616004606 |access-date=21 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304034905/http://www.theboomsignal.net/pdf/Voices_from_an_Old_Warrior.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>
;6 February 1976: USAF KC-135A, ''60-0368'', flew into a mountain while descending to Torrejon Air Base, Spain, killing all seven on board.  The aircraft was assigned to the 410th BMW/46th AREFS at K.I. Sawyer AFB, Michigan, but, as is often the case on Tanker Task Force deployed operations, the flight crew was from another SAC unit at Seymour-Johnson AFB, North Carolina.<ref name="46thars.tripod.com">{{cite web |url=http://46thars.tripod.com/id2.html |title=46th Air Refueling Squadron History |website=46thars.tripod.com |access-date=26 April 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222509/http://46thars.tripod.com/id2.html |archive-date=2 December 2013}}</ref> Only two aircraft crew chiefs on board were from K I Sawyer AFB, Michigan.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=60-0368 |id=19760206-1 |access-date=16 August 2013}}</ref>
;26 September 1976: USAF KC-135A, ''61-0296'', crashed while on approach to Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan, killing 15 passengers and flight crew on board.  The aircraft was flying a ''"First Team"'' mission taking 10 passengers to HQ-Strategic Air Command for briefings and orientation.  The crew became distracted by a cabin pressurization problem after an intermediate stop and descended into a wooded area about {{convert|12|mi|km}} southwest of Alpena, Michigan.  There was one survivor, reportedly a crew chief who was in the boom operator aft station (boom pod) at the time of the crash.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
;29 April 1977: USAF KC-135A, ''58-0101'' from Castle AFB hit five or six cows while practicing night takeoffs and landings at Beale AFB.  Takeoff was aborted and the plane overran the runway and caught on fire. Of the crew of 7, there were no fatalities.  During that time cattle strayed through a broken fence from a nearby field and onto the runway.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{ASN accident |title=61-0296 |id=19760926-0 |access-date=16 August 2013}}</ref>
;19 September 1979: USAF KC-135A, ''58-0127'', from Castle AFB crashed on the runway during a simulated engine failure on a training flight, killing 15 of 20 occupants on board.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
;13 March 1982: Arizona ANG KC-135A, ''57-1489'' collided in mid-air with a civilian Grumman-American AA-1 Yankee near Luke AFB, Arizona.  The collision, which occurred as the tanker was descending on an IFR flight plan through an undercast, was struck by the civilian aircraft operating VFR just below the cloud deck, causing the tail of the KC-135 to be severed by the force of the impact.  The two civilians on the AA-1 and all four crew on the KC-135 were killed. Included among the dead was the squadron commander of the 197th AREFS, Lt Col James N. Floor.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=57-1489 |id=19820313-0 |access-date=16 August 2013}}</ref>
;19 March 1982: USAF KC-135A, ''58-0031'', exploded in mid-air at {{convert|13,700|ft|m}} and crashed at Greenwood, Illinois, due to a possible overheated fuel pump, killing all 27 on board.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=58-0031 |id=19820319-0 |access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref>
;19 March 1985: USAF 8th AF KC-135A ''61-0316'' caught fire during ground refueling at [[Cairo International Airport]] (CAI), [[Cairo]], Egypt. The interior of the airplane was burned out and the aircraft was written off as damaged beyond repair although the wing structure was used in repairing KC-135A ''58-0014'' (which was later converted to a KC-135E). There were no injuries reported.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19850319-0 |title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing KC-135A Stratotanker 61-0316 Cairo International Airport (CAI) |first=Harro |last=Ranter |website=aviation-safety.net |access-date=19 March 2018}}</ref>
;28 August 1985: USAF KC-135A ''59-1443'' was damaged beyond repair when a student pilot allowed an engine to contact the runway during a landing attempt at [[Beale Air Force Base]] near [[Marysville, California|Marysville]], California. During the go-around the instructor lost control of the aircraft while performing checklist items for an in-flight fire. All seven (three instructors and four students) aboard the aircraft died in the crash.<ref>{{citation |title=Accident description |url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19850827-0\ |author=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=[[Flight Safety Foundation]]}}</ref>
;17 June 1986: USAF KC-135A,''63-7983'', crashed while en route to [[Howard Air Force Base|Howard AFB]], Panama. It struck a hill south of the nearby Rodman Naval Station, killing all four crew members on board.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=63-7983 |id=19860617-0 |access-date=20 October 2014}}</ref> The tanker and crew were based at [[Grissom Air Reserve Base|Grissom Air Force Base]], Indiana.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=17 June 1986 |title=Four Killed in U.S. Air Force Tanker Crash |url=https://apnews.com/16882bdc98d0953b1b9ed6a49dcd5059 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=20 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028093454/http://www.apnewsarchive.com/1986/Four-Killed-In-U-S-Air-Force-Tanker-Crash/id-16882bdc98d0953b1b9ed6a49dcd5059 |archive-date=28 October 2014}}</ref>
;13 March 1987: USAF KC-135A, ''60-0361'', crashed at Fairchild Air Force Base after encountering wake turbulence from a B-52, while practicing a low-level refueling display.  The aircraft rolled 80 degrees to the left, which stalled both left side engines (#1 and #2).  The crew was able to recover to wings level, but were too low and impacted the ground in an open area of the base.  The accident killed all six on board and one person on the ground.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=60-0361 |id=19870313-1 |access-date=8 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |chapter-url=http://www.gao.gov/assets/150/146691.pdf |title=GAO/NSIAD-88-172 Report to the Honorable Edward F. Feighan, House of Representatives; Strategic Air Command: KC-135A Crash and the Need for SAC Air Show Regulations |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=July 1988 |chapter=4 |publisher=General Accounting Office |access-date=20 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924021601/http://www.gao.gov/assets/150/146691.pdf |archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref>
;11 October 1988: USAF KC-135A, ''60-0317'', crashed at Wurtsmith Force Base after a hard landing following a steep approach during crosswinds. The airplane went off the side of the runway and broke up. A fire erupted and killed all six crewmembers on board, while 10 passengers were able to jump to safety.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=60-0317 |id=19881011-0 |access-date=17 December 2015}}</ref> Pilot error was determined as the cause of the accident.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1988&dat=19890307&id=pGgiAAAAIBAJ&pg=1184,549653&hl=en |title=Air Force Policies Cited in Jet Crash |agency=Associated Press |date=7 March 1989 |page=5 |newspaper=The Argus-Press |location=Owosso, Michigan |access-date=24 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323153130/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1988&dat=19890307&id=pGgiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_qkFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1184,549653&hl=en |archive-date=23 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
;20 November 1988: USAF KC-135 suffered a failure of a sighting window next to the sextant port in the cockpit during a trans-Atlantic flight.  A boom operator died when he was sucked partway through the 10-inch by 8-inch window opening as the cockpit depressurized.  None of the 17 others on board were injured.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1988-11-22-0080330168-story.html |title=BIZARRE ACCIDENT. An Air Force reservist died... |work=Orlando Sentinel |date=22 November 1988 |access-date=9 July 2023}}</ref>
;31 January 1989: USAF KC-135A, ''63-7990'', crashed on takeoff from [[Dyess AFB]], Texas after the water-injection system for the Pratt & Whitney J-57 engines failed and the remaining "dry" thrust was insufficient for flight at the takeoff gross weight.  The mission was scheduled as a non-stop flight to [[Hickam AFB]]/Honolulu Hawaii with an en route F-16 air refueling mission.  7 crew members and 12 passengers, including military spouses, retired military members and one child, were killed.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=63-7990 |id=19890131-0 |access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref> The aircraft and crew were based at K I Sawyer AFB, Michigan.<ref name="46thars.tripod.com"/>
;20 September 1989: USAF KC-135E, ''57-1481'', exploded on the ground at Eielson Air Force Base due to an overheated fuel pump, killing two of seven on board. The crew was shutting down the engines when the explosion occurred.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=57-1481 |id=19890920-1 |access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref>
;4 October 1989: KC-135A, ''56-3592'', from en route from Loring Air Force Base crashed into a hill along the west side of [[New Brunswick Route 2|Trans-Canada Highway 2]] at [[Carlingford, New Brunswick|Carlingford]], [[New Brunswick]] due to an overheated fuel pump, killing all four crew members.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=56-3592 |id=19891004-1 |access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref> After five accidents involving fuel pump overheating, crews were to keep {{convert|3000|lb|kg}} of fuel in the tank.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.unb.ca/nbmhp/counties/Victoria.html |title=Fredericton – Faculty of Arts – Centres – The Gregg Centre – New Brunswick Military Heritage Project – UNB |website=unb.ca |access-date=26 April 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124010606/http://www2.unb.ca/nbmhp/counties/Victoria.html |archive-date=24 January 2017}}</ref>
;11 January 1990: KC-135E, ''59-1494'', caught fire on the [[Asphalt concrete|tarmac]] at [[Pease Air National Guard Base]] during maintenance work; there were no injuries, however the aircraft was destroyed.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12045135/tanker_plane_explodes_on_runway/ |title=Tanker Plane Explodes on Runway |newspaper=[[The Palm Beach Post]] |agency=Associated Press |date=12 January 1990 |access-date=30 June 2017 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403000228/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12045135/tanker_plane_explodes_on_runway/ |archive-date=3 April 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19900111-0 |title=Hull-loss description |website=aviation-safety.net |access-date=30 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703050918/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19900111-0 |archive-date=3 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W_zJfJGhSI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/8W_zJfJGhSI |archive-date=2021-10-30 |title=KC-135E Fire at Pease AFB January 1990 |publisher=nhshotgunner |date=9 February 2015 |access-date=30 June 2017 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
;6 February 1991: KC-135E, ''58-0013'', [[1991 Gulf War Boeing KC-135 accident|suffered an accident over Saudi Arabia]] after entering severe wake turbulence from a passing KC-135. The aircraft lost both engines from under the left wing, but the crew was able to recover and land successfully. The aircraft was repaired and later returned to service. The entire crew received the [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]] for their actions.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://speakingeagles.com/only-pilot-who-landed-a-kc-135-after-two-engines-ripped-off-in-combat/ |title=Only pilot who landed a KC-135 after two engines ripped off in combat writes his story |website=speakingeagles.com |access-date=2019-06-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190619185024/https://speakingeagles.com/only-pilot-who-landed-a-kc-135-after-two-engines-ripped-off-in-combat/ |archive-date=19 June 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=25th Anniversary of Desert Storm: Grissom Airmen share their story |url=https://www.grissom.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/675853/25th-anniversary-of-desert-storm-grissom-airmen-share-their-story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225025905/https://www.grissom.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/675853/25th-anniversary-of-desert-storm-grissom-airmen-share-their-story/ |archive-date=2021-02-25 |access-date=2021-05-17 |website=Grissom Air Reserve Base |date=13 January 2016 |language=en-US}}</ref>
;10 December 1993: a [[Wisconsin Air National Guard]] KC-135R, ''57-1470'', exploded while undergoing routine ground maintenance at [[General Mitchell Air National Guard Base]] due to an overheated fuel pump.  Six [[Non-commissioned officer|NCO]] maintenance personnel were killed.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=57-1470 |id=19931210-0 |access-date=10 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="CT1993">{{cite news |last1=Brandon |first1=Karen |title=Guard Plane Explodes, 6 Killed |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1993-12-11-9312110134-story.html |access-date=10 December 2018 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=11 December 1993 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210225238/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1993-12-11-9312110134-story.html |archive-date=10 December 2018}}</ref>
;13 January 1999: [[Washington Air National Guard]] KC-135E, ''59-1452'', crashed on approach in [[Geilenkirchen, Germany|Geilenkirchen]], Germany due to the horizontal stabilizer being in a 7.5 nose-up trim condition, killing all 4 crew members.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=59-1452 |id=19990113-2 |access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref>
;7 April 1999: Air National Guard KC-135R, ''57-1418'', was damaged beyond repair while undergoing a cabin pressurization check while in depot maintenance at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at [[Tinker AFB]], Oklahoma.  During a previous maintenance event, the pressure relief valves were secured shut and not released afterwards.  This created a catastrophic explosion that nearly separated the empennage from the aircraft and destroyed the aft fuselage section.  No personnel were injured or killed during the mishap, but the aircraft was a total loss.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19990407-2 |title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 57-1418 Oklahoma City-Tinker AFB, OK (TIK) |first=Harro |last=Ranter |website=aviation-safety.net |access-date=26 April 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615190718/https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19990407-2 |archive-date=15 June 2017}}</ref>
;26 September 2006: USAF KC-135R, ''63-8886'', was damaged beyond economical repair when it was struck by a [[Tupolev Tu-154]] of [[Altyn Air]], ''EX-85718'', while stopped on a taxiway after landing at [[Transit Center at Manas|Manas Air Base]]. As the Tu-154 took off, its right wing struck the fairing of the KC-135R's No. 1 engine. The force of the impact nearly severed the No. 1 engine and destroyed a portion of the left wing. The resulting fire caused extensive damage to the KC-135. The Tu-154 lost about {{convert|6|ft|m}} of its right wingtip, but was able to get airborne and return to the airport for an emergency landing. The tanker crew had been directed to use a taxiway which was not usable for night operations and the controller failed to note that they reported "holding short" of that taxiway, rather than "clear of" that point. The crew of the KC-135 evacuated the aircraft without serious injuries.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=63-8886 |id=20060926-1 |access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref>
;3 May 2013: USAF KC-135R, ''63-8877'', broke up in flight about eight minutes after taking off from [[Transit Center at Manas|Manas Air base]] in [[Kyrgyzstan]], killing all three crew members.<ref>{{ASN accident |title=63-8877 |id=20130503-0 |access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Humphrey |first=Jeff |title=Cellphone video may have captured deadly KC-135 crash |url=https://www.kxly.com/cellphone-video-may-have-captured-deadly-kc-135-crash/ |location=Spokane, Washington |date=20 June 2013 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019141404/http://www.kxly.com/news/spokane-news/cell-phone-video-may-have-captured-deadly-kc135-crash/20654806 |archive-date=19 October 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{cbignore|bot=InternetArchiveBot}} After investigation, it was determined that a rudder power control unit malfunction led to a [[Dutch roll]] oscillatory instability. Not recognizing the Dutch roll, the crew used the rudder to stay on course, which exacerbated the instability, leading to an unrecoverable flight condition. The over-stressed tail section detached and the aircraft broke apart soon after. The aircraft was at cruise altitude about 200&nbsp;km west of [[Bishkek]] before it crashed in a mountainous area near the village of Chorgolu, close to the border between Kyrgyzstan and [[Kazakhstan]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Investigation board determines cause of KC-135 crash in May |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/473716/investigation-board-determines-cause-of-kc-135-crash-in-may/ |date=14 March 2014 |access-date=21 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102152724/http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/473716/investigation-board-determines-cause-of-kc-135-crash-in-may.aspx |archive-date=2 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Kristin |date=13 March 2014 |title=Malfunction, pilot error caused May KC-135 crash |url=http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20140313/NEWS/303130048/Malfunction-pilot-error-caused-May-KC-135-crash |newspaper=Air Force Times |location=Springfield, Virginia |access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Camden |first=Jim |date=13 March 2014 |title=Tanker's tail separated in flight before Kyrgyzstan crash |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/mar/13/tankers-tail-separated-flight-kyrgyzstan-crash/ |newspaper=Spokesman-Review |location=Spokane, Washington |access-date=21 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022001846/http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/mar/13/tankers-tail-separated-flight-kyrgyzstan-crash/ |archive-date=22 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=31 December 2013 |title=United States Air Force Aircraft Accident Investigation Board Report; KC-135R, T/N 63-8877; 22d Air Refueling Wing McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas; Location: 6 Miles South of Chaldovar, Kyrgyz Republic |url=http://media.spokesman.com/documents/2014/03/AIBReportwithoutTabs.pdf |access-date=21 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021195520/http://media.spokesman.com/documents/2014/03/AIBReportwithoutTabs.pdf |archive-date=21 October 2014}}</ref>

==Aircraft on display==
* 55-3118 ''The City of Renton'' – KC-135A on static display at the entrance to [[McConnell Air Force Base]], [[Kansas]]. It was the first aircraft built and was used in a variety of test roles. It was later converted to an EC-135K airborne command post, and restored to a tanker configuration for display.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bernal Del Agua |first1=David |title=Anything but a tanker: the first KC-135-story |url=https://www.mcconnell.af.mil/News/story/id/123415740/ |access-date=14 November 2016 |work=McConnell Air Force Base |date=25 June 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513220108/http://www.mcconnell.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123415740 |archive-date=13 May 2016}}</ref>
* 55-3130 ''Old Grandad'' – KC-135A on static display at the [[March Field Air Museum]], [[March ARB]], California.<ref>{{cite web |title=KC-135A Stratotanker |url=http://www.marchfield.org/aircraft/cargo/kc-135a-stratotanker-boeing |website=March Field Air Museum |access-date=14 November 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115000527/http://www.marchfield.org/aircraft/cargo/kc-135a-stratotanker-boeing/ |archive-date=15 November 2016}}</ref>
* 55-3139 ''City of Atwater'' – KC-135A on static display at the [[Castle Air Museum]] at the former [[Castle AFB]], California.<ref>{{cite web |title=Aircraft on Display |url=http://www.castleairmuseum.org/ondisplay |website=Castle Air Museum |access-date=14 November 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114214523/http://www.castleairmuseum.org/ondisplay |archive-date=14 November 2016}}</ref>
* 56-3595 – KC-135A on static display at the [[Barksdale Global Power Museum]] at [[Barksdale Air Force Base]], [[Louisiana]].<ref>{{cite web |title=20. KC-135 |url=https://barksdale.oncell.com/en/20-kc-135-87027.html |website=Barksdale Global Power Museum |access-date=14 November 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114231918/https://barksdale.oncell.com/en/20-kc-135-87027.html |archive-date=14 November 2016}}</ref>
* 56-3611 – KC-135E on static display Scott Field Heritage Air Park at [[Scott Air Force Base]], [[Illinois]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Airpark |url=https://www.scott.af.mil/About-Us/Airpark/ |website=Scott Air Force Base |access-date=14 November 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114170229/http://www.scott.af.mil/About-Us/Airpark |archive-date=14 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=KC-135 Stratotanker |url=http://www.scottfieldairpark.org/kc135.html |website=Scott Field Heritage Air Park |access-date=14 November 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820050149/http://scottfieldairpark.org/kc135.html |archive-date=20 August 2016}}</ref>
* 56-3639 – KC-135A on static display at the Linear Air Park at [[Dyess Air Force Base]], [[Texas]].{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
* 56-3658 ''Iron Eagle'' – KC-135E on static display at the [[Kansas Aviation Museum]].<ref>{{cite web |title=KC-135E |url=http://kansasaviationmuseum.org/visit/aircraft/kc-135e |website=Kansas Aviation Museum |access-date=14 November 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019115405/http://kansasaviationmuseum.org/visit/aircraft/kc-135e/ |archive-date=19 October 2016 |date=9 June 2014}}</ref>
* 57-1429 – KC-135E on static display at the Museum of the Kansas National Guard at [[Forbes Field (airport)|Forbes Field Air National Guard Base]] in Topeka, Kansas.<ref>{{cite web |title=Static Displays |url=http://www.kansasguardmuseum.com/?page_id=62 |website=Museum of the Kansas National Guard |date=28 September 2015 |access-date=14 November 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513023107/http://www.kansasguardmuseum.com/?page_id=62 |archive-date=13 May 2016}}</ref>
* 57-1455 – KC-135E on static display at [[Pease Air National Guard Base]], [[New Hampshire]].<ref name="a910">{{cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Geoff Jr. |title=Air National Guard base at Pease to display retired plane |website=Foster's Daily Democrat |date=2010-05-05 |url=https://www.fosters.com/story/news/2010/05/05/air-national-guard-base-at/51615597007/ |access-date=2024-12-31}}</ref><ref name="e317">{{cite web |title=KC-135E Gate Guard |website=Home of the 157th Air Refueling Wing |url=https://www.157arw.ang.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2000415556/ |ref={{sfnref| Home of the 157th Air Refueling Wing}} |access-date=2024-12-31}}</ref>
* 57-1458 – KC-135E on static display at [[Eielson Air Force Base]], [[Alaska]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Thibault |first1=Janine |title=KC-135 finds home at Heritage Park |url=https://www.eielson.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/Article/383009/kc-135-finds-home-at-heritage-park/ |access-date=14 November 2016 |work=Eielson Air Force Base |date=30 March 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114171008/http://www.eielson.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/1819/Article/383009/kc-135-finds-home-at-heritage-park.aspx |archive-date=14 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Record Listing |url=http://livinghistoryregistry.com/item.php?pasco=1895 |website=Living History Registry |access-date=14 November 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114171222/http://livinghistoryregistry.com/item.php?pasco=1895 |archive-date=14 November 2016}}</ref>
* 57-1495 – KC-135E in storage at [[Lincoln Air National Guard Base]], [[Nebraska]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baugher |first1=Joe |title=1957 USAF Serial Numbers |url=http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1957.html |website=JoeBaugher.com |access-date=14 November 2016 |date=28 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110720074315/http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1957.html |archive-date=20 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Robert |title=Nebraska Scavenger Hunt |url=https://airbornerambler.wordpress.com/2015/06/05/nebraska-scavenger-hunt |website=Rambles in the Air |publisher=WordPress.com |access-date=14 November 2016 |date=5 June 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115001651/https://airbornerambler.wordpress.com/2015/06/05/nebraska-scavenger-hunt/ |archive-date=15 November 2016}}</ref>
* 57-1507 – KC-135E on static display at the [[Air Mobility Command Museum]] at [[Dover Air Force Base]], [[Delaware]].<ref>{{cite web |title=KC-135E Stratotanker |url=http://amcmuseum.org/at-the-museum/aircraft/kc-135e-stratotanker |website=Air Mobility Command Museum |publisher=AMC Museum Foundation, Inc. |access-date=14 November 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901230800/http://amcmuseum.org/at-the-museum/aircraft/kc-135e-stratotanker/ |archive-date=1 September 2016}}</ref>
* 57-1510 ''Never Forget'' – KC-135E on static display at the [[Hill Aerospace Museum]] at [[Hill Air Force Base]], [[Utah]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Boeing KC-135E "Stratotanker" |url=http://www.hill.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=15200 |website=Hill Air Force Base |access-date=14 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513212925/http://www.hill.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=15200 |archive-date=13 May 2016 |date=11 August 2009}}</ref>
* 58-0070 – KC-135A on static display at the Wings of Freedom Park at [[Altus Air Force Base]], Oklahoma.<ref name="t538">{{cite web | title=KC-135A arrives at Altus, pays tribute to heritage | website=Altus Air Force Base | date=2009-10-02 | url=https://www.altus.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/352537/kc-135a-arrives-at-altus-pays-tribute-to-heritage/ | access-date=2025-06-08}}</ref>
* 59-1481 – KC-135A on static display at [[Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base]], Texas. It was operated by NASA as N930NA and one of two KC-135s used for zero-gravity and other research purposes.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
* 59-1487 – KC-135E on static display at the [[126th Air Refueling Wing]] / [[Illinois Air National Guard]] complex at Scott Air Force Base.<ref>{{cite web |title=Boeing KC-135A-BN Stratotanker 59-1487 |url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:108th_Air_Refueling_Squadron_-_Boeing_KC-135A-BN_Stratotanker_59-1487.jpg |website=126th Air Refueling Wing |via=Wikimedia Commons |access-date=14 February 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415164357/http://www.126arw.ang.af.mil/photos/slideshow.asp?id=%7B4E3A19E0-0FA8-4F48-A798-EE64B7DA4931%7D |archive-date=15 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Boyd |first1=Don |title=USAF Boeing KC-135A-BN Stratotanker #59-1487 at Scott AFB aviation stock photo #0656 |url=http://www.pbase.com/image/138627543 |website=PBase |access-date=14 November 2016 |date=29 September 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114170422/http://www.pbase.com/image/138627543 |archive-date=14 November 2016}}</ref>
* 59-1497 – KC-135E on static display at [[Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst]], [[New Jersey]]<ref>{{cite web |title=United States Air Force Boeing KC-135A (59-1497) |url=http://www.netairspace.com/photos/59-1497/United_States_Air_Force/Boeing_KC-135A/WRI_KWRI_McGuire_Air_Force_Base/photo_82014/ |website=netAirspace.com |access-date=14 November 2016 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219102710/https://www.netairspace.com/photos/59-1497/United_States_Air_Force/Boeing_KC-135A/WRI_KWRI_McGuire_Air_Force_Base/photo_82014/ |archive-date=19 February 2017}}</ref>
* 60-0329 – KC-135R at the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]] in [[Dayton, Ohio]], on display in the Air Park.<ref name="National Museum of the USAF 2015">{{cite web |title=National Museum of the United States Air Force™ > Upcoming > KC-135 |website=National Museum of the USAF |date=2015-10-01 |url=https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Upcoming/KC-135/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420154154/https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Upcoming/KC-135/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 April 2022 |ref={{sfnref |National Museum of the USAF |2015}} |access-date=2022-05-04}}</ref>
* 63-7998 – KC-135A on static display at the [[Pima Air & Space Museum]], adjacent to [[Davis-Monthan AFB]], [[Arizona]]. It was operated by NASA as N931NA and is the second of their two research aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |title=Boeing KC-135A Stratotanker |url=https://pimaair.org/museum-aircraft/boeing-kc-135a/ |website=[[Pima Air & Space Museum]] |publisher=Pimaair.org |access-date=14 February 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220183313/http://www.pimaair.org/aircraft-by-name/item/boeing-kc-135a-stratotanker |archive-date=20 December 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* 63-8005 – KC-135A on static display at [[Grand Forks AFB]], [[North Dakota]].{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}

==Specifications (KC-135R)==
[[File:Boeing KC-135A Stratotanker 3-view line drawing.png|frameless|right|3-view silhouette drawing of the Boeing KC-135A Stratotanker]]

{{Aircraft specs
|ref= USAF Fact Sheet,<ref name=AF_fact_sheet/> Boeing.com : KC-135<ref name=Boeing.com>{{cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/history/products/kc-135-stratotanker.page |title=KC-135 STRATOTANKER : Historical Snapshot |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227055308/http://www.boeing.com/history/products/kc-135-stratotanker.page |archive-date=27 December 2015 |publisher=Boeing}}</ref>
|prime units?=kts
<!--    General characteristics
-->
|crew=3 (pilot, co-pilot and boom operator; some KC-135 missions require the addition of a navigator.)
|capacity=up to 80 passengers / {{cvt|83000|lb}} or 6 [[463L master pallet|463L pallet]]s
|length m=
|length ft=136
|length in=3
|length note=
|span m=
|span ft=130
|span in=10
|span note=
|height m=
|height ft=41
|height in=8
|height note=
|wing area sqm=
|wing area sqft=2433
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil='''root:''' BAC 310/311/312; '''tip:''' BAC 313<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
|empty weight kg=44630
|empty weight lb=
|empty weight note=<br />
*'''Operating empty weight:''' {{cvt|124000|lb|0}}
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight lb=297000
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=
|max takeoff weight lb=322500
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity={{cvt|200000|lb|0}}
|more general=
<!--    Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=4
|eng1 name=[[CFM International F108-CF-100]]
|eng1 type=[[turbofan]] engines
|eng1 kn=96.2
|eng1 note=
<!--   Performance
-->
|max speed kmh=
|max speed mph=
|max speed kts=504
|max speed note=
|max speed mach=0.9
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed mph=530
|cruise speed kts=
|cruise speed note=at {{cvt|30000|ft}}
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed mph=
|stall speed kts=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kmh=
|minimum control speed mph=
|minimum control speed kts=
|minimum control speed note=
|range km=
|range miles=1500
|range nmi=
|range note=with {{cvt|150000|lb|0}} of transferable fuel
|ferry range km=
|ferry range miles=
|ferry range nmi=9572
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=
|ceiling ft=50000
|ceiling note=
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin=4900
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|thrust/weight=
|more performance=
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|see also=<!-- other related articles that have not already linked: -->
* {{annotated link|Reduced-gravity aircraft|Vomit Comet}}
* {{annotated link|1966 Palomares B-52 crash}}
|related=<!-- designs which were developed into or from this aircraft: -->
* {{annotated link|Boeing 367-80}}
* {{annotated link|Boeing C-135 Stratolifter}}
* {{annotated link|Boeing C-137 Stratoliner}}
* {{annotated link|Boeing 707}}
|similar aircraft=<!-- aircraft that are of similar Role, Era, and Capability as this design: -->
* {{annotated link|Ilyushin Il-78}}
* {{annotated link|Lockheed L-193}}
* {{annotated link|Vickers VC10}}
|lists=
* {{annotated link|List of United States military aerial refueling aircraft}}
* [[List of military electronics of the United States]]
<!-- See [[WP:Air/PC]] for more explanation of these fields. -->
}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|group=note}}

==Bibliography==
* {{cite book |last=Hopkins, III |first=Robert S. |title=Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker: More Than Just a Tanker |year=1997 |publisher=Midland Publishing |location=Leicester, England |isbn=1-85780-069-9}}
* {{cite book |last=Pither |first=Tony |date=1998 |title=The Boeing 707 720 and C-135 |location=Tunbridge Wells, England |publisher=Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd |isbn=0-85130-236-X}}

==External links==
{{Commons and category|KC-135 Stratotanker|Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker}}
* [https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1529736/kc-135-stratotanker/ USAF KC-135 fact sheet]<!-- old page archived at https://web.archive.org/web/20170425094115/https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104524/kc-135-stratotanker/ --> and [https://www.af.mil/News/Photos/galleryID/38/KC-135 photo gallery at official USAF website]<!-- redirect from old url at http://www.af.mil/photos/index.asp?galleryID=38 -->
* [http://www.boeing.com/history/products/kc-135-stratotanker.page KC-135 history page] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20061206212916/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/kc135-strat/kc135photos.html KC-135 image gallery on Boeing.com]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/946694929/KC-135A-Stratotanker-Infographic KC 135A Stratotanker Infographic]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110724083219/http://www.awacs-spotter.nl/index.htm KC-135 page on awacs-spotter.nl]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070203091713/http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/Gallery/Photo/KC-135/index.html Photo gallery of NASA's KC-135A tanker]
* [https://fas.org/nuke/guide/usa/bomber/kc-135r.htm KC-135 page at fas.org] – (not updated since late 1999, but still perhaps useful)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070222054257/http://www.aero-web.org/locator/manufact/boeing/c-135.htm C-135 page at aero-web.org] – Includes specs for many variants
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061209061350/http://www.ausairpower.net/DT-Smart-AAR-0705.pdf Smart Tankers (Defence Today)]
* {{Internet Archive short film |id=gov.dod.dimoc.52240|name=15 AF Heritage – High Strategy – Bomber and Tankers Team (1980)}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx_Ck2XECrs National Museum of the Air Force video tour of KC-135]
{{Boeing support aircraft}}
{{Boeing model numbers}}
{{707 military variants}}
{{USAF transports}}
{{USAF system codes}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker}}
[[Category:Boeing aircraft|KC-135 Stratotanker]]
[[Category:1950s United States military tanker aircraft|KC-135 Stratotanker]]
[[Category:Quadjets]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1956]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]