{"product_id":"kc-135-stratotanker-die-cut-stickers","title":"KC-135 Stratotanker Die-cut stickers","description":"The KC-135 Stratotanker has been a cornerstone of United States Air Force aerial refuelling since its introduction in 1957. Developed from Boeing’s 367-80 demonstrator, which also provided the foundation for the commercial 707, it was designed to keep pace with Strategic Air Command’s jet-powered bombers. Its ability to transfer fuel in flight extended their range and endurance, making it an essential component of America’s Cold War nuclear deterrent.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nThe KC-135 first flew on 31 August 1956, and the first operational aircraft was delivered to Castle Air Force Base, California, in June 1957. A total of 732 KC-135s were delivered to the USAF, with the last arriving in 1965. Although closely related in appearance and ancestry, the KC-135 was not a converted Boeing 707.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nOriginally powered by four Pratt \u0026amp; Whitney J57 turbojet engines, many aircraft were subsequently re-engined with CFM International CFM56 turbofans, designated F108s in US military service, becoming KC-135R and KC-135T models. These upgrades improved fuel efficiency, reduced noise and increased the amount of fuel available for transfer. Successive avionics improvements also helped the aircraft adapt to changing operational requirements.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nWith a maximum fuel load of approximately 200,000 pounds, the Stratotanker primarily refuels receiving aircraft through a telescoping flying boom controlled by a boom operator. Depending on equipment, it can also support probe-equipped aircraft using a hose-and-drogue system. Its upper deck provides additional capacity for cargo and passengers, giving it a useful transport role alongside its primary tanker mission.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom the Vietnam War to operations in the Middle East and beyond, the KC-135 has enabled bombers, fighters and other aircraft to fly farther and remain airborne longer. After more than six decades of service, its continued usefulness reflects both the adaptability of its design and the extensive maintenance and modernisation programmes that have sustained it.","brand":"I Love a Hangar","offers":[{"title":"2″×2″","offer_id":52562437636391,"sku":"6248660_24964","price":6.81,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3″×3″","offer_id":52562437669159,"sku":"6248660_24965","price":7.72,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4″×4″","offer_id":52562437701927,"sku":"6248660_24966","price":8.54,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5″×5″","offer_id":52562437734695,"sku":"6248660_24967","price":9.45,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6″×6″","offer_id":52562437767463,"sku":"6248660_24968","price":10.72,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/1219\/8232\/files\/die-cut-stickers-satin-6x6-front-6af16206d0cb3.jpg?v=1794204174","url":"https:\/\/iloveahangar.com\/products\/kc-135-stratotanker-die-cut-stickers","provider":"I Love a Hangar","version":"1.0","type":"link"}