Boeing C-135 Stratolifter

History of the Boeing C-135 Stratolifter

The Boeing C-135 "Stratolifter" - known internally as the "Type 717" - was developed in the 1950s and was based on the prototype of the 367-80 jetliner. The prototype first flew on July 15, 1954, but only one fuselage was completed.

Regardless, the design influenced the development of the United States Air Force (USAF) C-135 and all of its branches - including the KC-135 "Stratotanker" and WC-135 "Constant Phoenix". The C-135 prototype itself flew for the first time on August 17, 1956, and entered service in June 1957.

Boeing built a total of 60 airframes between 1954 and 1965, and the series is in active service with the U.S. Air Force fleet today (2020).

The aircraft typically carries a crew of three (pilot, co-pilot, and loading supervisor) and has a fuselage length of 136.2 feet, a wingspan of 130.9 feet, and a height of 41.7 feet. Curb weight is 98,465 pounds, and MTOW is 322,500 pounds. During its life cycle, the C-135 is powered by a variety of turbojet and turbofan engines, depending on the decade of operation. Performance includes a top speed of 580 mph, a range of up to 3,450 miles, and a service ceiling of 50,000 feet.

Climb speeds of up to 4,900 feet per minute.

The first operating model of the series became the "C-135A" (Model 717-157), which was a "mixed-role" airframe suitable for passenger (126 crew) or cargo operations. Early models of this variant were powered by four Pratt & Whitney J57-P-59W series turbojets, and later models featured four Pratt & Whitney TF33 turbofans, resulting in a name change to "C-135E".

A lengthened empennage was also introduced to improve control, and total production of 18 C-135A/E model aircraft in service in the 1990s ended.

The C-135B (Type 717-158) followed, based on the Type A, but with the TF33-P-5 turbofan engine. Thirty aircraft were built to standard and 5 were reserved for conversion to VC-135B VIP transport.

The Type B also formed the basis for the RC-135, WC-135B and other special editions through a conversion program.

C-135C is the designation used to denote a modification of the three Stratolifter airframes (based on the C-135B variant) for weather reconnaissance, known as "WC-135B". The planes have air-to-air refueling capability and eventually return to their original passenger/cargo form before the end.

The C-135E was a C-135A variant powered by the TF33-PW-102 family of turbofan engines, operating as a mission support platform under the designation "EC-135N" before reverting to the C-135E designation.

The C-135F (model 717-164) based on the C-135A was built to French requirements for a hybrid transport/air tanker platform. Twelve airframes were built by Boeing. The C-135FR designation subsequently included 11 C-135F tankers, modified with 4 x CFM56 turbofan engines.

The C-135K is a one-off variant for the VIP transport role under the CINCPAC banner.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes