The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an aerial refueling military aircraft. Its developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype. The KC-135 was the US Air Force's initial jet-powered refueling tanker and replaced the KC-97 Stratotanker. The Stratotanker was At first tasked to refuel strategic bombers, but was employed extensively in the Vietnam War and later conflicts such as Operation Desert Storm to extend the range and endurance of US tactical fighters and bombers.The primary mission of these KC-135 is the refueling of strategic long-range bombers. It as well delivers air refueling support to Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft as well as aircraft of allied nations. The KC-135 is equipped with a flying boom for fuel transfer; a special drogue can be attached into the boom on the ground so it can refuel probe-equipped aircraft. During air refueling, the massive flyable boom attached into the airplane's belly can offload fuel at 6,500 pounds per minute.
