Data Quality88%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the aerial refueling tankers category.
01 / Overview
KC-135R Stratotanker
Category
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1955–1965
Quantity
803
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
AERIAL REFUELING TANKERS · EARLY COLD WAR
1
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
92
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the aerial refueling tankers category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
- First Flight1956
- Service Entry Year1957
- Crew4
- Primary RoleAerial refueling tanker and transport aircraft
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant3MOD.3
- Engine TypePratt & Whitney TF33-PW-102 turbofan
- Number of Engines4
- Thrust (each)98
▣Performance6MOD.6
- Cruise Speed850 km/h
- Top Speed965 km/h
- Service Ceiling15,240 m
- Maximum Range11,000 km
- Takeoff Run3,230 m
- Unpaved / Short FieldNo
◇Cargo & Capacity3MOD.3
- Maximum Payload37,648 kg
- Cargo Hold Volume118
- Rear Loading RampNo
◆Aerial Refueling4MOD.4
- Aerial TankerYes
- Fuel Offload Capacity90,718 kg
- Refueling Method (boom/drogue)Flying boom and probe-and-drogue
- In-Flight RefuelableYes
▤Dimensions & Weights5MOD.5
- Length41.53 m
- Wingspan39.88 m
- Height12.7 m
- Empty Weight44,662 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight146,284 kg
⬢Production3MOD.3
- Total Built803
- Operators376
- Variants10
▲Service History3MOD.3
- Production Start1955
- Production End1965
- Operational StatusIn service
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1955Production started
- 1957Entered service
- 1965Production ended
71
years in service
10
years in production
803
units produced
4
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it. 2 countries retired it.
04 / Operators
Operator Inventory4country · 387units
387active
05 / MASS Score
AERIAL REFUELING TANKERS RANKING Aerial Refueling Tankers · Early Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
2AERIAL REFUELING TANKERS1EARLY COLD WAR · AERIAL REFUELING TANKERS184UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS1PERFORMANCE/PRICE · AERIAL REFUELING TANKERS
ⓘ Rankings are within theAerial Refueling Tankerscategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE2terms
Aerial tanker: military aircraft equipped to refuel other aircraft in flight using a system of hoses or booms.
Capable of receiving fuel from another aircraft while in flight, extending its operational range and endurance.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources