The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is a military aerial refueling and transport aircraft from the United States manufactured by Boeing. The KC-135 replaced the propeller-powered KC-97 tankers, which could no longer keep up with the jet fighters and bombers. The KC-135 has taken up various jobs over the years, including acting as a command post and a reconnaissance aircraft. The maiden flight of the KC-135 Stratotanker took place on the 31st of August 1956 and it went into service on June 1957. Primary users were the United States Air Force, French Air Force, Turkish Air Force and the Singapore Air Force. Approximately 803 KC-135 Stratotanker were produced between 1955 and 1965. The KC-135 Stratotanker is still active in services. Cost per unit was approx. 39.6 million USD.

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