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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
How It Works • Military Aviation

Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is a U.S.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is a jet-powered aerial refuelling tanker that entered U.S. Air Force service in 1957. It has served as the backbone of American air-to-air refuelling for over six decades.

What it is

The KC-135 is an aerial refuelling tanker and transport aircraft developed by Boeing from the 367-80 demonstrator. It was the first jet-powered tanker in USAF service, replacing the KC-97 Stratofreighter. First delivered in 1957, it remains in service with upgraded variants.

Why it matters

The KC-135 has been crucial for extending the range of U.S. and allied aircraft in conflicts from Vietnam to Desert Storm. It also supports cargo transport and aeromedical evacuation. Its gradual replacement by the KC-46 Pegasus marks a major transition in aerial refuelling capability.

Key details

The KC-135 has four turbofan engines and can carry cargo, passengers, and litter patients. Modernized KC-135R variants remain in USAF service. The aircraft has also been used by other air forces and in NATO operations alongside Canadian forces.

In short

  • First jet-powered tanker in USAF service
  • Entered service in 1957
  • Used in major conflicts including Vietnam and Desert Storm
  • Being replaced by the KC-46 Pegasus
Canadian angle

The KC-135 is relevant to Canadian readers mainly through NATO and coalition operations, where U.S. tanker support has helped extend the range of allied aircraft, including those used alongside Canadian forces.

Quick questions

What is the KC-135 Stratotanker?
It is a U.S. military aerial refuelling tanker and transport aircraft used by the United States Air Force.
When did the KC-135 enter service?
It entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 1957.
What aircraft is replacing the KC-135?
The Boeing KC-46 Pegasus is intended to replace the KC-135 over time.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_KC-135_Stratotanker
    Supports: First jet tanker in USAF service, development lineage, service entry, operational use, replacement by KC-46
  2. United States Air Force — https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1529736/kc-135-stratotanker/
    Supports: Mission, cargo and aeromedical evacuation roles, general characteristics
  3. Air & Space Forces Magazine — https://www.airandspaceforces.com/weapons/kc-135/
    Supports: First flight, delivery dates, tanker role, payload and performance
  4. National Museum of the U.S. Air Force — https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/3123510/boeing-kc-135r-stratotanker/
    Supports: First delivery in 1957, principal refuelling aircraft, modernization