Tanker Aircraft

(c) The number of tanks that can be loaded on an aircraft differ with the type of aircraft used.



C-130

2 tanks; 6,000 gallons



C-141

3 tanks, 9,000 gallons



C-5-

8 to 10 tanks, 24,000 to 30,000 gallons

(d) The system comes with numerous adapters and fittings to off-load fuel. When concerned

with interoperability, bot services must ensure that the correct fittings are available.

e. Tanker Aircraft. Air Force tanker aircraft operate under the same principles as described under Navy

tanker aircraft.

(1) KC-135 Stratotanker.

(a) The KC-135 is a modified Boeing 707 airliner that has been in service in the Air Force since

June 1957.

(b) In June 1977, the KC-135 fleet was upgraded to last another 25 years.

(c) The KC-135 has a fuel capacity of 120,000 pounds (17,500 gallons JP-8) and has a range of

1,150 miles.

(d) The KC-135 normally uses a rigid boom assembly to issue fuel to aircraft.

(2) KC-10 Extender.

(a) The KC-10 will eventually replace the KC-135.

(b) Based on the McDonnell-Douglas DC-10, the KC-10 has a range of 3,800 miles. The KC-l0

has a payload capacity of 170,000 pounds (25,000 gallons JP-8)

(c) The KC-10 also normally uses a rigid boom assembly to issue fuel to aircraft.

(d) Both the KC-135 and the KC-10 can be equipped with probe and drogue equipment to refuel

Navy aircraft.

(e) The Air Force has also experimented with multiple connections for both rigid boom and

probe and drogue assemblies.

18-19

QM5200