Military · Boeing
Boeing KC-135R/T Stratotanker K35R
The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is a four-engine military aerial refueling tanker that has served the US Air Force since 1957. Re-engined KC-135R and T models are still the most numerous US tankers.
KC-135s airborne over the US now
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of all airborne aircraftplus — on the ground
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KC-135s in the air over the last 24 hours
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Specifications
- ICAO code
- K35R
- First flight
- 1956
- Typical cruise
- 460 kt / 529 mph
- Service ceiling
- 50,000 ft
- Range
- 1,500 nm / 1,726 mi
- Capacity
- Crew of 3; up to about 200,000 lb of fuel
- Length
- 41.5 m / 136 ft
- Wingspan
- 39.9 m / 131 ft
Engines: 4 x CFM International F108 (CFM56) turbofans. Family: C-135. Figures are typical published values, rounded; real performance depends on variant, weight and conditions.
What it does in US skies
KC-135s refuel fighters, bombers and transports in flight, often in designated refueling tracks over the US. Many Guard and Reserve units fly them on training missions most weekdays.
Main US operators: US Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve.
How to recognize a KC-135
- Swept wing with four engines on pylons, similar to an early Boeing 707
- Refueling boom under the tail
- Few or no cabin windows
- Narrower and shorter than a KC-46 or 767-based tanker
How it looks on a flight tracker
Often flies at FL240 to FL300 in racetrack-shaped refueling orbits. Callsigns vary by unit and mission, and many fly with ADS-B on during routine training, while others are anonymized or not shown.
History
The KC-135 first flew in August 1956 and entered service in 1957. About 400 remain in USAF service after re-engining with CFM56 engines from the 1980s.
Where KC-135s are right now
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What is the ICAO code for the Boeing KC-135R/T Stratotanker?
The ICAO aircraft type designator for the Boeing KC-135R/T Stratotanker is K35R. Flight trackers and flight plans use this four-character code.
How fast does the KC-135 fly?
The Boeing KC-135R/T Stratotanker typically cruises at about 460 knots true airspeed (about 529 mph). Ground speed on a tracker varies with the wind.
How high can the KC-135 fly?
Its service ceiling is about 50,000 ft.