Boeing NKC-135A Stratotanker

The Boeing NKC‑135A Stratotanker, a variant of the legendary KC‑135 family, entered service in the late 1950s as a dedicated aerial refueling platform for the United States Air Force. Developed from the Boeing 707 airframe, the NKC‑135A was equipped with a Pratt & Whitney J57 turbo‑jet engine and a distinctive “boom” refueling system that could transfer up to 90,000 pounds of fuel to receiver aircraft in flight. Its first flight took place on 14 February 1956, and the type quickly proved its value during Cold War, extending the range of strategic bombers and fighters, and later supporting operations in Vietnam, the Gulf War, and global deployments.

Key features include a 32‑foot‑wide wing with leading‑edge slats, a spacious fuselage that can hold 200,000 lb of fuel, and an avionics suite that was upgraded over the decades to incorporate digital navigation and autopilot capabilities. The aircraft’s robust airframe, straightforward maintenance, and ability to operate from austere forward bases have made it a workhorse for aerial refueling missions.

The NKC‑135A’s significance lies in its role as the foundation of modern aerial refueling doctrine, enabling the United States to project air power worldwide and shaping the design of subsequent tankers such as the KC‑10 and KC‑46.