Data Quality86%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the tactical transports category.
01 / Overview
Boeing C-135 Stratolifter
Category
Country
Production
1957–1963
Quantity
45
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS · EARLY COLD WAR
19
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
92
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the tactical transports category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
- First Flight1961
- Service Entry Year1961
- Crew3
- Primary RoleStrategic airlift transport aircraft
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant4MOD.4
- Engine Type4 Pratt & Whitney TF-33-PW-102 low-bypass turbofan engines
- Number of Engines4
- Thrust (each)80
- Power (each, turboprop)18,000 kW
▣Performance7MOD.7
- Cruise Speed850 km/h
- Top Speed933.336 km/h
- Service Ceiling15,240 m
- Maximum Range6,000 km
- Range with Max Payload6,000 km
- Takeoff Run2,500 m
- Unpaved / Short FieldNo
◇Cargo & Capacity7MOD.7
- Maximum Payload37,600 kg
- Cargo Hold Volume145
- Troop Capacity80
- Paratroop Capacity40
- Vehicle CapacityLimited by single side-loading cargo door and high load floor
- Pallet Positions6
- Rear Loading RampNo
◆Aerial Refueling3MOD.3
- Aerial TankerNo
- Fuel Offload Capacity0 kg
- In-Flight RefuelableNo
▤Dimensions & Weights5MOD.5
- Length41.453 m
- Wingspan39.624 m
- Height12.497 m
- Empty Weight44,664.178 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight134,719.2 kg
⬢Production3MOD.3
- Total Built45
- Operators1
- Variants135
▲Service History3MOD.3
- Production Start1960
- Production End1963
- Operational StatusActive service (limited roles)
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1957Production started
- 1963Production ended
69
years in service
6
years in production
45
units produced
2
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it. 1 countries retired it.
05 / MASS Score
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS RANKING Tactical Transports · Early Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
81TACTICAL TRANSPORTS19EARLY COLD WAR · TACTICAL TRANSPORTS1015UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS14PERFORMANCE/PRICE · TACTICAL TRANSPORTS
ⓘ Rankings are within theTactical Transportscategory.
📚 Sources