Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker

KC-135 Stratotanker
A KC-135R refuels an F-15 Eagle
Role Aerial refuelling and transport
National origin United States
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 31 August 1956
Introduction June 1957
Retired KC-135E: 2009
Status In service
Primary users United States Air Force
French Air Force
Turkish Air Force
Singapore Air Force
Produced 1955–1965
Number built 803
Unit cost
US$39.6 million (FY98 dollars)
Developed from Boeing 367-80
Variants Boeing NC-135

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is a military aerial refueling aircraft. It and the Boeing 707 airliner were developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype. The KC-135 was the US Air Force's first jet-powered refueling tanker and replaced the KC-97 Stratofreighter. The KC-135 was initially tasked with refueling strategic bombers, but 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 United States Air Force (USAF) in 1957; it is one of six military fixed-wing aircraft with over 50 years of continuous service with its original operator. The KC-135 is supplemented by the larger KC-10. Studies have concluded that many of the aircraft could be flown until 2040, although maintenance costs have greatly increased. The aircraft will eventually be replaced by the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus.

Development

Background

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.[1]

In 1954 USAF's Strategic Air Command (SAC) held a competition for a jet-powered aerial refueling tanker. Lockheed's tanker version of the proposed Lockheed L-193 airliner with tail-mounted engines was declared the winner in 1955.[2] 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 the 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.[3][4]

In 1954 the Air Force 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 Air Force in 1965.

USAF KC-135R boom operator view

Developed in the early 1950s, the basic airframe is characterized by 35-degree aft swept wings and tail, four underwing-mounted engine pods, a horizontal stabilizer mounted on the fuselage near the bottom of the vertical stabilizer with positive 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 actually a different aircraft.

Reconnaissance and command post variants of the aircraft, including the RC-135 Rivet Joint and EC-135 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.

General upgrades

A Cold War-era image of B-52D refueling from a KC-135A

The KC-135Q variant was modified to carry JP-7 fuel necessary for the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, segregating 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.[5] When the KC-135Q model received the CFM-56 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.

Eight KC-135R aircraft are 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.[6] 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.

In order to expand the KC-135's capabilities and improve its reliability, the aircraft has undergone a number of upgrades. Among these was the Pacer-CRAG program (CRAG=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 program development was done by Rockwell Collins in Iowa[7] and installation was performed by BAE Systems at the Mojave Airport in California.[8] The latest block upgrade to the KC-135 is Block 40.5 which allows the KC-135 to comply with Global air-traffic management. The KC-135 Block 45 program is expected to come online in 2014 and addresses non-procurable instrument upgrades as well as a new autopilot system.

Engine retrofits

All KC-135s were originally equipped with Pratt & Whitney J-57-P-59W turbojet engines, which produced 10,000 lbf (44 kN) of thrust dry, and approximately 13,000 lbf (58 kN) of thrust wet. Wet thrust is achieved through the use of water injection on takeoff. 670 US gallons (2,500 L) of water are injected into the engines over the course of two and a half minutes. This water allows a second set of fuel injectors to activate without melting the turbine blades. The water turns to steam and is ejected at the rear of the engine, increasing the exhaust mass and increasing thrust. The engine runs somewhat hotter, with more engine noise.

In the 1980s the first modification program retrofitted 157 Air Force Reserve (AFRES) and Air National Guard (ANG) tankers with the Pratt & Whitney TF-33-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. (The difference is that the A-model weighed only 104,000 lb (47,000 kg) empty, while the E-model weighed 115,000 lb (52,000 kg) empty, but the maximum takeoff weight was not increased for the E-model. Therefore, the A-model could takeoff with 200,000 lb (91,000 kg) of fuel, while the E-model could only takeoff with 190,000 lb (86,000 kg) of fuel.) Only the KC-135E aircraft were equipped with thrust-reversers for takeoff aborts 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 Air Force from formally retiring them. The final KC-135E, tail number 56-3630, was delivered by the 101st Air Refueling Wing of the Maine Air National Guard to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) at Davis–Monthan Air Force Base in September 2009.[9]

The front of several gray aircraft are centered in the image.
A nose-on view of several reworked KC-135R aircraft taxiing prior to takeoff. The new engines are CFM56-2 high-bypass turbofans.

The second modification program retrofitted 500 aircraft with new CFM International CFM56 (military designation: F108) high-bypass turbofan engines produced by General Electric and Snecma. The CFM-56 engines are capable of producing approximately 22,500 lbf (100 kN) of thrust, nearly a 100% increase in thrust compared to the original J-57 engines. The modified tanker, designated either the 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, costs 25% less to operate than. It is also significantly quieter than the KC-135A, with noise levels at takeoff reduced from 126 to 99 decibels.[10][11]

The KC-135R's operational range is 60% greater than the KC-135E for comparable fuel offloads, providing a wider range of basing options.[12]

No longer in consideration, upgrading the remaining KC-135Es into KC-135Rs would have cost about US$3 billion, about $24 million per aircraft.[12] 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.[13]

Further upgrades and derivatives

Cutaway of the Flight Refueling Limited Mk.32B Refueling Pod.

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 (FRL) MK.32B model pods. This allows the tanker to refuel two receivers at the same time, which increases throughput compared to the boom drogue adapter.[14]

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.

Design

Flight deck of KC-135R; instrument panel has been modified under the Pacer-CRAG program

The KC-135R has four turbofan engines, mounted under 35-degree swept wings,[15] which power it to takeoffs at gross weights up to 322,500 pounds (146,300 kg). Nearly all internal fuel can be pumped through the tanker's flying boom, the KC-135's primary fuel transfer method. A special shuttlecock-shaped drogue, attached to and trailing behind the flying boom, may be used to refuel aircraft fitted with probes. A boom operator stationed in the rear of the aircraft controls the boom while lying prone. 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 83,000 pounds (38,000 kg) of cargo.

Operational history

Introduction into service

An F-15 backs out after refueling from a KC-135R.

The KC-135 was initially purchased to support bombers of the Strategic Air Command, but by the late 1960s, in the 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 just a few minutes, due to their limited fuel reserves. KC-135 crews refueled both Air Force and Navy / Marine Corps aircraft, though they would have to change to probe and drogue adapters depending upon the mission. Crews also helped to bring in damaged aircraft which could fly while being fed by fuel to a landing site or to ditch over the water. KC-135s continued their tactical support role in later conflicts such as Desert Storm and current aerial strategy.

The Strategic Air Command (SAC) had the KC-135 Stratotanker in service with Regular Air Force SAC units from 1957 through 1992 and with SAC-gained Air National Guard (ANG) and Air Force Reserve (AFRES) units from 1975 through 1992. Following a major USAF reorganization that resulted in the inactivation of SAC in 1992, most KC-135s were reassigned to the newly created Air Mobility Command (AMC).[16] 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 Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) KC-135s and most of the Air National Guard (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.

Air Mobility Command (AMC) manages 414 Stratotankers, of which the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) and Air National Guard (ANG) fly 247 in support of AMC's mission as of May 2014.[17]

The KC-135 is joined by the Tupolev Tu-95, the C-130 Hercules, the B-52 Stratofortress, the English Electric Canberra, the Northrop T-38 Talon and the Lockheed U-2 in having over 50 years of continuous service with its original operator.[18][19]

Israel was offered KC-135s again in 2013, after turning down the aging aircraft twice due to expense of keeping them flying.[20][21] The IAF again rejected the offered KC-135Es, but said that it would consider up to a dozen of the newer KC-135Rs.[22]

Research usage

KC-135 winglet flight tests at Dryden 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 Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California. One such project occurred between 1979 and 1980 when special wingtip "winglets", developed by Richard Whitcomb of the Langley Research Center, were tested at Dryden, 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 was reduced and range could be increased by as much as 7 percent at cruise speeds.[23][24] Winglets are now being incorporated into most new commercial and military transport 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.[25]

Replacing the KC-135

Main article: KC-X

The Air Force 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. The Air Force estimated that their current fleet of KC-135s have between 12,000 to 14,000 flying hours on them-only 33 percent of the lifetime flying hour limit.[12]

Between 1993 and 2003, the amount of KC-135 depot maintenance work doubled, and the overhaul cost per aircraft tripled.[26] 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 cost estimates project further significant growth through fiscal year 2017. KC-135 fleet operations and support costs are estimated to grow from about $2.2 billion in fiscal year 2003 to $5.1 billion (2003 dollars) in fiscal year 2017, an increase of over 130 percent, which represents an annual growth rate of about 6.2 percent.[27]

KC-135Rs at twilight on the flight line

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.[28] In March 2009, the Air Force indicated that KC-135s would require additional skin replacement to allow their continued use beyond 2018.[29]

The USAF decided to replace the KC-135 fleet. However, the KC-135 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.[30] In December 2003, the Pentagon froze the contract and in January 2006, the KC-767 contract was canceled. This followed public revelations of corruption in how the contract was awarded, as well as controversy regarding the original leasing rather than outright purchase agreement. Then Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld stated that this move will in no way impair the Air Force's ability to deliver the mission of the KC-767, which will be accomplished by continuing upgrades to the KC-135 and KC-10 Extender fleet.

KC-135A at the Barksdale Global Power Museum

In January 2007, the U.S. Air Force formally launched the KC-X program with a request for proposal (RFP). KC-X is first phase of three acquisition programs to replace the KC-135 fleet.[31] On 29 February 2008, the US Defense Department announced that it had selected the EADS/Northrop Grumman "KC-30" (to be designated the KC-45A) over the Boeing KC-767.[32][33][34] Boeing protested the award on 11 March 2008, citing irregularities in the competition and bid evaluation.[35] On 18 June 2008, the US Government Accountability Office sustained Boeing's protest of the selection of the Northrop Grumman/EADS's tanker.[36] In February 2010, the US Air Force restarted the KC-X competition with the release of a revised request for proposal (RFP).[37][38] After evaluating bids, the USAF selected Boeing's 767-based tanker design, with the military designation KC-46, as a replacement in February 2011.[39]

Variants

See Boeing C-135 Stratolifter for further details on the C-135 family.

Active KC-135 aircraft liveries
KC-135A
Original production version powered by four Pratt & Whitney J57s, 732 built. Given the Boeing model numbers 717-100A, 717-146 and 717-148.[40]
NKC-135A
Test-configured KC-135A.
KC-135B
Airborne command post version with 17 built equipped with turbofan engines. Provided with in-flight refueling capability and redesignated EC-135C.[41] Given the model number 717-166.[40]
KC-135D
All four RC-135As (Pacer Swan) were modified to partial KC-135A configuration in 1979.[42][43] 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.[44] 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.[45] Later re-engined with Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines and a cockpit update to KC-135E standards in 1990 and are were retired to the 309th AMARG at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ in 2007.[43][46]
KC-135E
Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve KC-135As re-engined with Pratt & Whitney TF-33-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.[9][47]
NKC-135E
Test-configured KC-135E.
KC-135Q
KC-135As modified to carry JP-7 fuel necessary for the SR-71 Blackbird, 56 modified,[41] survivors to KC-135T.
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 59-1465 crashed in 1965). These aircraft were powered by Pratt & Whitney J57 Engines and were based at Offutt AFB, Nebraska.
KC-135R
KC-135As and some KC-135Es re-engined with CFM-56 engines, at least 361 converted.
KC-135R(RT)
Receiver-capable KC-135R Stratotanker, 8 modified with either a Boeing or LTV receiver system and a secure voice SATCOM radio.
KC-135T
KC-135Q re-engined with CFM-56 engines, 54 modified.
EC-135Y
An airborne command post modified in 1984 to support 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 TF-33-PW-102. Currently retired to 309th AMARG at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ.

Operators

 Chile
 France
 Singapore
 Turkey
 United States

United States Air Force operates 415 KC-135s (168 Active duty, 67 Air Force Reserve, and 180 Air National Guard) as of September 2012.[51]

Air Combat Command
509th Weapons Squadron - Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington
Air Education and Training Command
54th Air Refueling Squadron
55th Air Refueling Squadron
Air Force Materiel Command
412th Flight Test Squadron
418th Flight Test Squadron
Air Mobility Command
91st Air Refueling Squadron
99th Air Refueling Squadron – Birmingham, Alabama (Associate with 117th ARW)
911th Air Refueling Squadron – Seymour-Johnson AFB, North Carolina (Associate with 916th ARW)
64th Air Refueling Squadron - Pease ANGB, New Hampshire (Associate with 157th ARW)
344th Air Refueling Squadron
349th Air Refueling Squadron
350th Air Refueling Squadron
384th Air Refueling Squadron
92d Air Refueling Squadron
93d Air Refueling Squadron
912th Air Refueling Squadron - March ARB, California (Associate with 452d ARW)
906th Air Refueling Squadron (associate with 126th ARW)
Pacific Air Forces
96th Air Refueling Squadron (Associate with 154th Wing)
909th Air Refueling Squadron
United States Air Forces in Europe
351st Air Refueling Squadron
Air Force Reserve Command
72d Air Refueling Squadron
74th Air Refueling Squadron
336th Air Refueling Squadron
756th Air Refueling Squadron
465th Air Refueling Squadron
730th Air Mobility Training Squadron (Altus AFB, Oklahoma)
77th Air Refueling Squadron
63d Air Refueling Squadron
18th Air Refueling Squadron
Air National Guard
132d Air Refueilng Squadron
141st Air Refueling Squadron
150th Air Refueling Squadron
106th Air Refueling Squadron
166th Air Refueling Squadron
108th Air Refueling Squadron
171st Air Refueling Squadron
126th Air Refueling Squadron
151st Air Refueling Squadron
185th Air Refueling Squadron
116th Air Refueling Squadron
191st Air Refueling Squadron
203d Air Refueling Squadron
173rd Air Refueling Squadron
133d Air Refueling Squadron
197th Air Refueling Squadron
168th Air Refueling Squadron
146th Air Refueling Squadron
147th Air Refueling Squadron
174th Air Refueling Squadron
153d Air Refueling Squadron
117th Air Refueling Squadron

Note Italy has been reported in some sources as operating several KC-135s,[52] however these are actually Boeing 707-300s converted to tanker configuration.[53][54]

Accidents

For accidents involving other C-135 variants, see Boeing C-135 Stratolifter, Boeing RC-135, Boeing EC-135, and Boeing NC-135.

Specifications (KC-135R)

Tail of an Air Force Reserve Command KC-135R tanker showing refueling boom
Boom-drogue adapter

Data from USAF Fact Sheet,[17] Boeing[113]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Six KC-135 Stratotankers demonstrate the elephant walk formation.
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References

  1. ↑ Lombardi, Michael (July 2006). "Historical Perspective, Start of a PROUD MISSION" (PDF). Boeing Frontiers (Chicago, Illinois: Boeing). Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  2. ↑ Bright, Charles (January 1986). "VII - The Heartbreak Market: Airliners". The Jet Makers: The Aerospace Industry from 1945-1972. Lawrence, Kansas: University Press of Kansas. ISBN 978-0700601721. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  3. ↑ Hopkins, III, Robert S. (1997). Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker: More Than Just a Tanker. Leicester, England: Midland Publishing Limited. ISBN 1-85780-069-9.
  4. ↑ May, Mike (Spring 2004). "Gas Stations in the Sky". Invention & Technology (American Heritage Society). Archived from the original on June 4, 2010. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  5. ↑ Graham, Richard (1996). R-71 Revealed: The Untold Story. pp. 38–39.
  6. ↑ Hopkins, pp. 71-72.
  7. ↑ "Boeing KC-135 - Rockwell Collins Pacer CRAG Avionics Upgrade". Jane's Aircraft Upgrades (London, England: Janes Information Group). March 7, 2012. Archived from the original on June 12, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  8. ↑ "BAE SYSTEMS delivers final Pacer CRAG KC-135". Aerotech News and Review (Lancaster, California: Aerotech News and Review, Inc.). September 20, 2002.
  9. 1 2 Beckham, SSgt Tim (September 25, 2009). "Final KC-135E retires at Davis-Monthan". Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  10. ↑ "KC-135 Stratotanker". boeing.com. Boeing. June 2011. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  11. ↑ The noise reduction of 27 dB means the resultant sound pressure level is about 5% of the original level.
  12. 1 2 3 "KC-135E". globalsecurity.org. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  13. ↑ Curtin, Neal P. (June 24, 2003). Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Projection Forces, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives; MILITARY AIRCRAFT: Information on Air Force Aerial Refueling Tankers (PDF) (Report). General Accounting Office. Retrieved October 21, 2014. 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.
  14. ↑ "KC-135R Stratotanker". globalsecurity.org. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  15. ↑ "Boeing: Commercial Airplanes - 707 - 707 Family Home". boeing.com. Boeing. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  16. ↑ HQ USSTRATCOM/CSH (January 2004). HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES STRATEGIC COMMAND, June 1, 1992 — October 1, 2002 (PDF) (Report). United States Strategic Command. p. 21. Retrieved October 23, 2014. [...] a similar ceremony [at Scott AFB] marked the inactivation of MAC and the activation of the new Air Mobility Command, which now assumed responsibility for SAC's KC-135 and KC-10 air refueling aircraft.
  17. 1 2 "KC-135 Stratotanker". www.af.mil. US Air Force. September 15, 2004. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  18. ↑ "Boeing KC-135 Celebrates 50 Years of Service". aahs-online.org. American Aviation Historical Society. 2009. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  19. ↑ Armstrong, Brandice J. (September 12, 2006). "Airman celebrates different KC-135 anniversary". USAF News (72d Air Base). Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  20. ↑ Opall-Rome, Barbara (29 April 2013). "Israelis Slam US-Hyped Arms Package". Defense News. Gannett Government Media Corporation. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
  21. ↑ Pellerin, Cheryl (22 April 2013). "Hagel, Yaalon Finalize New Israel Military Capabilities". American Forces Press Service. Pentagon. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
  22. ↑ Egozi, Arie (September 2, 2013). "Israel seeks R-model KC-135s from USA". flightglobal.com. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  23. ↑ "NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, KC-135 Stratotanker Photo Collection". dfrc.nasa.gov. NASA. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  24. ↑ Heilig, Jennings (September 8, 2002). "C-135 Variants - Part 2". clubhyper.com. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  25. ↑ Heilig, Jennings (September 8, 2002). "C-135 Variants - Part 6". clubhyper.com. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  26. ↑ Hebert, Adam J. (January 2003). "When Aircraft Get Old". Air Force Magazine (Arlington, Virginia: Air Force Association). Archived from the original on February 26, 2003. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  27. ↑ MILITARY AIRCRAFT: DOD Needs to Determine its Aerial Refueling Aircraft Requirements (Report). US General Accounting Office. June 4, 2004. p. 3. GAO-04-349. Retrieved October 23, 2014. 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.
  28. ↑ "Opening Statement of Chairman Roscoe Bartlett, Hearing on the Aerial Refueling Recapitalization Program" (PDF) (Press release). Washington, D.C.: globalsecurity.org. February 28, 2006. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  29. ↑ "Thin Skin". Aviation Week & Space Technology (Penton Media) 70 (10): 18. March 9, 2000. Retrieved 23 October 2014. (subscription required)
  30. ↑ Tirpak, John A. (February 2004). "Tanker Twilight Zone". Air Force Magazine (Arlington, Virginia: Air Force Association). Archived from the original on February 6, 2004. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  31. ↑ "Air Force Posts Request for Proposals for Tankers" (Press release). US Department of Defense. January 30, 2007. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  32. ↑ "Tanker Contract Award Announced". Air Force Print News. February 29, 2008. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  33. ↑ Gilmore, Gerry J. (February 29, 2008). "Air Force Awards Tanker Contract to Northrop Grumman". American Forces Press Service. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  34. ↑ Miller, Kent; Putrich, Gayle S.; Tran, Pierre (February 29, 2008). "Tanker Contract Decision Announced". Army Times (Springfield, Virginia). Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  35. ↑ "Boeing Protests U.S. Air Force Tanker Contract Award" (Press release). St Louis, Missouri: Boeing. March 11, 2008. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  36. ↑ Gary L. Kepplinger, General Counsel (June 18, 2008). "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". Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  37. ↑ "KC-X Tanker Modernization Program, Solicitation Number: FA8625-10-R-6600" (Press release). US Department of Defense. February 8, 2010. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  38. ↑ Reed, John (February 25, 2010). "USAF Sets KC-X First Flight, IOC Dates". Defense News (Springfield, Virginia). Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  39. ↑ Riley, Charles (24 February 2011). "Air Force awards Boeing $35 billion contract". CNN.
  40. 1 2 "KC-135". US Warplanes.net. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
  41. 1 2 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.
  42. ↑ DoD 4120.14L, Model Designation of Military Aerospace Vehicles, 12 May 2004
  43. 1 2 Hopkins, p.144
  44. ↑ Pither, Page 73
  45. ↑ Hopkins, pp. 142-144.
  46. ↑ Pither, p. 73.
  47. ↑ Baker, MSgt Burke. "48-year-old KC-135 retires", Air Force news, 22 May 2008.
  48. ↑ LlegĂł el 1er KC-135E para la FACh - ModoCharlie
  49. ↑ Boeing: Boeing Delivers First KC-135R to Singapore Air Force
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  52. ↑ "Boeing wins Italian bid military 767s", Italy operates 4 KC-135s, SeattlePi.com, 10 July 2001
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  55. ↑ Accident description for 56-3599 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2 February 2013.
  56. ↑ Accident description for 58-0002 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2 February 2013.
  57. ↑ Accident description for 57-1513 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2 February 2013.
  58. ↑ Accident description for 56-3628 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 16 August 2013.
  59. ↑ Accident description for 56-3605 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2 February 2013.
  60. ↑ Accident description for 56-3618 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2 February 2013.
  61. ↑ Accident description for 60-0352 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 21 October 2014.
  62. ↑ Accident description for 56-3597 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2 February 2013.
  63. ↑ Accident description for 57-1498 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 25 October 2013.
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  65. ↑ Accident description for 61-0319 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2 February 2013.
  66. ↑ Accident description for 60-0340 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2 February 2013.
  67. ↑ Accident description for 61-0265 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 8 May 2013.
  68. ↑ Accident description for 57-1442 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 21 October 2014.
  69. ↑ "1965 KC-135 tanker crash on Piatt St.". Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas). January 15, 2011. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  70. ↑ Accident description for 63-8882 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2 February 2013.
  71. ↑ Accident description for 63-0842 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2 February 2013.
  72. ↑ Accident description for 61-0273 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 21 October 2014.
  73. ↑ "Spain, U.S. Agree to Radioactivity Cleanup 40 Years After Atomic Accident.". Fox News. October 8, 2006. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
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  75. ↑ Accident description for 56-3613 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2 February 2013.
  76. ↑ Accident description for 59-1465 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2 February 2013.
  77. ↑ Accident description for 58-0026 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 8 May 2013.
  78. ↑ Accident description for 56-3655 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 8 May 2013.
  79. ↑ Accident description for 55-3133A at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on October 20, 2014.
  80. ↑ Shalhoup, Dean (May 28, 2011). "Fateful flight for Nashua airman". Nashua Telegraph (Nashua, New Hampshire). Retrieved October 20, 2014.
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  82. ↑ Accident description for 61-0301 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 8 May 2013.
  83. ↑ Accident description for 58-0031 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 8 May 2013.
  84. ↑ Accident description for 58-0039 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2 February 2013.
  85. ↑ Accident description for 58-0048 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 23 April 2014.
  86. ↑ Accident description for 63-7989 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 8 May 2013.
  87. ↑ Accident description for 60-0354 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 21 October 2014.
  88. ↑ Hoctor, Christopher J.B. (January 2014). Voices from an Old Warrior: Why KC-135 Safety Matters (PDF). Columbia, Missouri: Mizzou Publishing. p. 63. ISBN 9781616004606. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  89. 1 2 http://46thars.tripod.com/id2.html
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  91. ↑ Accident description for 61-0296 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 16 August 2013.
  92. ↑ Accident description for 61-0296 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 16 August 2013.
  93. ↑ Accident description for 61-0296 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 16 August 2013.
  94. ↑ Accident description for 57-1489 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 16 August 2013.
  95. ↑ Accident description for 58-0031 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2 February 2013.
  96. ↑ Accident description for 63-7983 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on October 20, 2014.
  97. ↑ "Four Killed in U.S. Air Force Tanker Crash". Associated Press. June 17, 1986. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
  98. ↑ Accident description for 60-0361 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 8 May 2013.
  99. ↑ "4". 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 (PDF) (Report). General Accounting Office. July 1988. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
  100. ↑ Accident description for 60-0317 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 17 December 2015.
  101. ↑ https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1988&dat=19890307&id=pGgiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_qkFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1184,549653&hl=en
  102. ↑ Accident description for 63-7990 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 21 October 2014.
  103. ↑ Accident description for 57-1481 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 2 February 2013.
  104. ↑ The New Brunswick Military Heritage Project - Victoria County
  105. ↑ Accident description for 59-1452 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 21 October 2014.
  106. ↑ Accident description for 63-8886 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 21 October 2014.
  107. ↑ Accident description for 63-8877 at the Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved on 21 October 2014.
  108. ↑ Humphrey, Jeff (June 20, 2013). "Cellphone video may have captured deadly KC-135 crash". Spokane, Washington. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  109. ↑ "Investigation board determines cause of KC-135 crash in May". March 14, 2014. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  110. ↑ Davis, Kristin (March 13, 2014). "Malfunction, pilot error caused May KC-135 crash". Air Force Times (Springfield, Virginia). Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  111. ↑ Camden, Jim (March 13, 2014). "Tanker’s tail separated in flight before Kyrgyzstan crash". Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Washington). Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  112. ↑ 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 (PDF) (Report). December 31, 2013. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
  113. ↑ KC-135 history page. Boeing
  • Hopkins, III, Robert S. (1997). Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker: More Than Just a Tanker. Leicester, England: Midland Publishing Limited. ISBN 1-85780-069-9. 
  • Pither, Tony (1998). The Boeing 707 720 and C-135. Tunbridge Wells, England: Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd. ISBN 0-85130-236-X. 

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