The KC-135 was the United States Air Force's first jet-powered refueling tanker and replaced the KC-97 Stratofreighter.
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13 Facts About KC-135 Stratotanker
2.
The KC-135 Stratotanker 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.
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3.
KC-135 Stratotanker entered service with the United States Air Force in 1957; it is one of nine military fixed-wing aircraft with over 60 years of continuous service with its original operator.
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4.
The KC-135 Stratotanker is supplemented by the larger McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender.
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6.
The KC-135 Stratotanker is similar in appearance to the 707, but has a narrower fuselage and is shorter than the 707.
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7.
The KC-135 Stratotanker predates the 707, and is structurally quite different from the civilian airliner.
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8.
Since Boeing's proposal was already flying, the KC-135 could be delivered two years earlier and Air Force Secretary Harold E Talbott ordered 250 KC-135 tankers until Lockheed's design could be manufactured.
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9.
The first aircraft flew in August 1956 and the initial production KC-135 Stratotanker was delivered to Castle Air Force Base, California, in June 1957.
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10.
The KC-135 Stratotanker is one of a few military aircraft types with over 50 years of continuous service with its original operator as of 2009.
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11.
Besides its primary role as an inflight aircraft refueler, the KC-135 Stratotanker, designated NKC-135 Stratotanker, has assisted in several research projects at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
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12.
The KC-135 Stratotanker 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.
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13.
However, the KC-135 Stratotanker fleet is large and will need to be replaced gradually.
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