U.S.A.F. KC-135 HAWAII

KC135R

The Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker is the primary aerial refueling variant of the KC-135 family operated by the United States Air Force. The KC-135R designation reflects a comprehensive re-engining and systems upgrade of the original KC-135A airframe, replacing the Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engines with more powerful and fuel-efficient CFM International CFM56-2B-1 turbofan engines. This upgrade dramatically improved the KC-135's performance, increasing fuel offload capability by approximately 50 percent compared to the original KC-135A and significantly reducing fuel consumption. The KC-135R can carry up to 200,000 lbs of transferable fuel and deliver it to receiver aircraft via a boom or a drogue adapter. The aircraft is also capable of transporting cargo and personnel in the upper deck configuration. With over 400 KC-135Rs in service, it remains the cornerstone of U.S. Air Force aerial refueling capability and has supported military operations around the world for decades.

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