08/31/2026
Today, 31 August 2026, we recognize the 70th anniversary of the KC-135 Stratotanker's first flight.
The KC-135 evolved from a request from the United States Air Force for a jet-powered aerial refueling aircraft. The USAF had, at the time, operated hundreds of piston-powered Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighters - itself a design based off of a World War II-era bomber. The KC-97 was a fantastic aircraft for the role of aerial refueling, but as the jet age was emerging, the KC-97 was simply too slow to refuel many of the fighters and bombers of the time.
In the 1950s, Boeing commissioned an all-jet powered prototype called the 367-80, commonly referred to as the Dash 80, and it first flew in 1954. A flying boom was added to the aircraft to demonstrate that it could refuel the jet-powered military aircraft of the era and served as a prototype for the KC-135. The Air Force eventually ordered more than 700 KC-135s, and dozens of purpose-built or modified aircraft were based off of the KC-135 platform to perform specialized missions. The KC-135 is one aircraft that was derived from the Dash 80 - the other being the Boeing 707 airliner.
Aerial refueling plays a critical role, allowing receiver aircraft to remain airborne longer and take off carrying a larger payload of cargo, personnel, or weaponry. Even after seventy years, the KC-135 remains in high demand in all theaters, and more than 350 aircraft remain in service with the USAF and are expected to remain in service for many years to come. The KC-46A Pegasus will replace the KC-135, and at least 250 Pegasus aircraft will be delivered over the coming years.
Schultz Airshows has had the distinct pleasure of hosting and working alongside many KC-135 squadrons at our airshows through static displays, flyovers, and demonstrations in our 33+ year history. We look forward to hosting Stratotanker crews in upcoming events.
