The KC-135 Stratotanker is the U.S. Air Force’s primary aerial refueling aircraft, extending the range and endurance of U.S. and allied aircraft around the globe. In service since 1956, the KC-135 has been a vital force multiplier, allowing fighters, bombers, and other aircraft to remain airborne longer and reach distant targets without landing. Powered by four jet engines, it carries thousands of gallons of fuel and delivers it mid-flight through a boom operated by a specialized boom operator. With decades of upgrades and reliable performance, the KC-135 continues to play a key role in global air operations and rapid power projection.
