The story
The KC-135R is the re-engined Stratotanker: a 1950s and '60s airframe given CFM56 turbofans (the F108 in Air Force service) from the 1980s on. It can give away up to half again as much fuel on a long sortie while burning a quarter less, and it is still the backbone of the US tanker fleet.
The Air Force ordered 1,962 CFM56-2 engines to re-engine its tanker-family fleet, and by 2007 more than two-thirds of the engines originally installed had never been taken off the wing.
Quick answers
How do you identify a KC-135R Stratotanker?
A KC-135 with big, round CFM56 engine pods instead of the original skinny turbojets. Refueling boom under the tail. The KC-135T looks the same except for a small clear searchlight window under the tail.
What does a KC-135R Stratotanker sound like?
CFM F108 turbofans are far quieter than the original J57 turbojets — the Stratotanker finally got modern engines.
How fast is the KC-135R Stratotanker?
Top speed is 504 kts.
How far can the KC-135R Stratotanker fly?
Range is about 1,500 mi (with 150,000 lbs of transfer fuel).
How big is the KC-135R Stratotanker?
It is 136 ft 3 in long and 130 ft 10 in across the wings.
When did the KC-135R Stratotanker first fly?
Its first flight was in 1982.
How many KC-135R Stratotankers have been built?
400+ converted built.
How rare is a KC-135R Stratotanker in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first KC-135R Stratotanker catch is worth 250 points.
