What Makes the KC-135 America’s Aerial Lifeline?

A U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury, but beyond the incident, the aircraft itself tells a story.

For more than 60 years, the KC-135 has been the backbone of America’s aerial refueling fleet, extending the range of Air Force, Navy, and allied aircraft.

It can carry up to 83,000 pounds of cargo or transfer fuel through a flying boom operated by a crew member in the rear.

Powered by four turbofans, it takes off at weights up to 322,500 pounds. The typical crew is three, but this flight had at least five aboard.

The KC-135 also supports aeromedical evacuations and can transport patients. The Air Force still operates 376 of these aircraft—151 active, 163 in the Guard, and 62 in the Reserve.

This one went down under disputed circumstances. The military says no hostile fire. An Iran-backed militia claims otherwise.