This Boeing (Model 717) KC-135E was in the fleet of the Kansas Air National Guard, 190th Air Refueling wing based at Forbes Field in Topeka, Kan. The aircraft is a swept-wing four-jet-engine in-flight refueling tanker. This technique used a 'flying boom' system, in which a rigid pipe called the 'boom' was extended in order to pump fuel from one plane to another. The aircraft crew consisted of a pilot, copilot, navigator and boom operator/load master. The boom operator’s station is in the crew compartment except when conducting air-refueling operations. When refueling, the boom operator works from a refueling station in a pod located in the tail.

The KC-135 Stratotanker was teh first jet tanker when it was released in 1954. The Air Force ordered these tankers from Boeing to refuel F-105s, F-4s, and B-52s throughout the Cold War and conflicts in Southeast Asia. Though KC-135s are still in use today, the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus is now the preferred tanker for the U.S. Military.

Type:
Refueling Tanker

Powerplant:
Four JT3D engines

Max speed:
610 m.p.h.

Ceiling
50,000 ft.

Range:
11.192 mi.

Weight:
Gross 301,600 lbs.

Weapons:
None

Dimensions:
Span 130 ft. 10 in.
Length 136 ft. 3 in.
Height 41 ft. 8 in.