K stands for tanker and C stands for transport.
When the US Air Force needs aircraft refueled in mid-air, they turn to their primary fuel tanker, the KC-135. First flying in 1956, the Stratotanker has been keeping American air assets airborne for extended periods since the Vietnam War. Four turbofan engines mounted under the aircraft’s wings make it possible for the Stratotanker to takeoff at weights up to 322,500 pounds including fuel. The plane’s ability to refuel military aircraft midair for more than 50 years has proven it to be a tested, capable, and dependable refueler for the US Air Force and its allied partners.
This KC-135E, named Never Forget, served with the Utah Air National Guard in Salt Lake City beginning in 1978. During its time with the 151st Air Refueling Wing (ARW), this aircraft assisted in the Guard’s mission to extend the global reach of the U.S. through refueling.
Never Forget was the last remaining KC-135E assigned to the 151 ARW when it retired in 2009. On 21 May that same year, the aircraft flew to Hill Air Force Base, where it was then towed from the flight line to the Hill Aerospace Museum.
Midair refueling with the KC-135 takes place using a “flying boom” operated by an Airman in the rear of the plane. These boom operators precisely attach the extended fueling hose to the receiving aircraft below, like a gas pump in the sky. Whether that aircraft is an F-35 or B-2, the KC-135 ensures Airmen can continue to execute their missions in the sky through fuel resupply.
This aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program.
Serial Number: 57-1510
Manufacturer: Boeing
Primary Function: Aerial refueling and airlift
Crew: Three (pilot, co-pilot and boom operator)
Engines: Four Pratt & Whitney TF33-PW-102 engines
Wingspan: 130 ft 10 in
Length: 136 ft 3 in
Height: 41 ft 8 in
Weight: 98,466 lbs; 322,500 lbs (maximum takeoff weight)
Speed: 530 mph (cruising); 580 mph (maximum)
Range: 11,015 miles
Service Ceiling: 50,000 ft
Armament: None
Payload: 37 passengers, 83,000 lbs
Cost: $30,600,000
Years of Service: 1956 – present
The USAF obtained the KC-135 aircraft at Hill Aerospace Museum in January 1959 where it was assigned to the 901st Air Refueling (Heavy) Squadron of Strategic Air Command at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi.
The KC-135 was then reassigned to the 4228th Strategic Wing at Columbus AFB in January 1962. In February 1963, the aircraft was moved to the 454th Bombardment (Heavy) Wing at Columbus AFB. During service with the 454th, the aircraft was deployed to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.
After serving in Okinawa, the KC-135 was transferred to the 916th Air Refueling Squadron at Travis Air Force Base in May 1969. From Travis AFB, the aircraft was deployed to the following bases: Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska; Torrejon Air Base in Spain; U Tapao RTAFB in Thailand; Malmstrom Air Force Base; and Anderson Air Base in Guam.
The aircraft was assigned to the Utah Air National Guard in Salt Lake City in April 1978. The aircraft was converted to a KC-135E in July 1982. The aircraft, named “Never Forget,” was the last remaining KC-135E assigned to the 151st Air Refueling Wing of the Utah Air National Guard when it was retired in May 2009. The aircraft flew to Hill Air Force Base on May 21, 2009. On July 18, 2009, the KC-135E was towed from the flight line to Hill Aerospace Museum for display.
K stands for tanker and C stands for transport.
In 2019 the newly appointed KC-46 Pegasus began operations to replace the aging 135. However, the USAF plans to continue flying the 135 well into the 2030s.
The standard 135 is not capable of being refueled in flight, but a special forces variant, the KC-135RT, is able to for special operational needs.
Yes, though a dangerous task, night refueling can take place with use of radar and night vision goggles.