KC-135 Stratotanker Model

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is a military aerial refueling aircraft that was developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype, which was also used to create the Boeing 707 airliner. It is the primary variant of the C-135 Stratolifter family of transport planes and was the first jet-powered refueling tanker used by the United States Air Force (USAF). The KC-135 was originally intended for refueling strategic bombers, but it was also heavily used during the Vietnam War and other 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 and has been in continuous operation with its original operator for over 60 years, making it one of only nine fixed-wing military aircraft to achieve this milestone. It is currently being supplemented by the larger McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender, but it is expected to be partially replaced by the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus in the future. Studies have shown that many of the KC-135 aircraft could potentially continue to be flown until 2030, although maintenance costs have significantly increased over time.