USAF Tests Reach of KC-135s in 72-Hour Endurance Mission

During the endurance event, the two Stratotankers flew more than 36,000 miles, refueling B-2 Spirits, B-52 Stratofortresses, an E-3 Sentry and an E-6B Mercury.

Kimberly Johnson

Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 05:30 PM ET

Verified

A KC-135 Stratotanker from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. refuels a B-52 Stratofortess during a 72-hour endurance mission. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

Two KC-135 Stratotankers successfully completed a first-ever 72-hour single-aircraft endurance mission, flying over 36,000 miles and refueling multiple military aircraft.
The mission demonstrated the KC-135 fleet's capability to execute extended-range missions and maintain persistent air operations.
Key tactics involved minimizing ground time through "engine running crew changes" and "hot-pit refuels," proving a "tanker 'drop-in' concept" crucial for survivability in contested environments.

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Aircrews of two KC-135s Stratotankers, one of the Air Force’s most iconic aircraft, now have a reputation for also having some of the highest stamina in the service after the aircraft recently conducted 72-hour single-aircraft endurance missions.

During the endurance event—a first for the aircraft—the two Stratotankers flew more than 36,000 miles, refueling B-2 Spirits, B-52 Stratofortresses, an E-3 Sentry, and an E-6B Mercury. They landed only to refuel and switch crews, and service engine oil while at least one engine was running, according to the Air Force.