KC-135 Stratotanker

When I flew with a C-5M Super Galaxy to Afghanistan, we filmed an air-to-air refueling over Germany as the C-5 headed non-stop to Bagram Airfield. The risks are very real when you have two huge aircraft like the C-5 and KC-135 Stratotanker only a few dozen feet apart. While flying in the C-5M at 21,000 feet we met at the rendezvous point with the KC-135. Approaching underneath the tanker and seeing its wings fill the cockpit windows was an impressive site, as was the steely eyed focus from our pilot as the aircraft hooked up and got the gas. Weeks later after returning home from Afghanistan, I filmed the POV from the KC-135 to cut together with the Bagram flight, allowing us to show both perspectives of the refuelling in the episode. This time I was flying in the tail of the KC-135 with the fuel boom operator, when from the clouds below, approaching like a giant, we watched as the C-5 neared. Watching one of the largest military aircraft in the world flying within thirty feet of you is an absolute jaw dropper. Thanks again to Dover AFB, 9th Airlift Squadron and the 916th Air Refueling Wing for the fantastic flying.

Tech Specs

Model number: KC-135
First flight: Aug. 31, 1956
Classification: Military tanker-transport
Span: 130 ft 10 in
Length: 136 ft 3 in
Gross weight: 297,000 lbs
Top Speed: 600 mph
Cruising Speed: 552 mph
Range: 5,000 miles
Ceiling: 41,000 ft
Power: 4 x 13,750-pound-thrust P&W J57 turbojet engines
Accommodation: 4 crew, 80 troops