KC-135 All Major Variants
KC-135 All Major Variants Heritage Flag – Full-Color Evolution of the Stratotanker
KC-135 All Major Variants. Celebrate the legendary legacy of America’s aerial refueling force with this bold KC-135 Heritage Flag, featuring full-color illustrations of the KC-135A, KC-135E, and KC-135R models. This 36″ x 60″ polyester wall flag pays tribute to every generation of the Stratotanker—from its early Cold War beginnings to its modern-day global reach—honoring the aircraft and aircrews who kept the mission flying.
This flag, made by Custom Flag Nation, showcases the unmistakable silhouette of each major KC-135 variant in vibrant detail. From the original KC-135A with its J57 turbojet engines, to the upgraded KC-135E with improved TF33 turbofans, and finally to the current workhorse KC-135R with CFM56 high-bypass engines, each aircraft is displayed with precision artwork that highlights its unique evolution in performance, power, and capability. It’s a stunning visual timeline of over 65 years of continuous service.
Whether you crewed it, maintained it, refueled from it, or watched it roar overhead on final approach, this flag captures the heart and history of tanker aviation. It’s ideal for display in dorms, offices, hangars, man caves, or anywhere refuelers gather to swap stories and honor their role in global airpower.
Proudly designed and printed in the U.S.A. by a 100% veteran-owned business. Looking for something unique and meaningful to send to your deployed military member? These make great deployment gifts to receive downrange in their care packages from home.
100% polyester knitted fabric
Fabric weight: 4.42 oz/yd² (150 g/m²)
Print on one side, blank reverse side
2 metal grommets
Best suited for indoor display to ensure longevity of the vibrant colors
Aircraft Description
The KC-135 Stratotanker is a military aerial refueling aircraft developed by Boeing and operated by the United States Air Force since 1957. Designed alongside the Boeing 707, the KC-135 was America’s first jet-powered refueler, marking a major leap in extending the range and endurance of strategic bombers and later, tactical fighters and transport aircraft.
The original model, the KC-135A, was powered by four Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engines and quickly became an essential part of Cold War nuclear deterrence strategy. It supported Strategic Air Command bombers on long-range missions and enabled the United States to project airpower across the globe.
As technology advanced and the need for improved fuel efficiency and performance grew, the Air Force upgraded many of the aircraft to the KC-135E variant. This version featured more reliable Pratt & Whitney TF33 turbofan engines, which offered better range, reduced noise, and lower maintenance requirements compared to the original J57s.
The most significant and widely used version today is the KC-135R, introduced in the 1980s. It is powered by four CFM International CFM56 high-bypass turbofan engines (designated F108 in military use), which provide a 25% fuel savings over previous versions, dramatically lower noise, and increased thrust. The R-model also includes upgraded avionics, digital flight systems, and structural enhancements that have extended the Stratotanker’s service life well into the 21st century.
Across all its variants, the KC-135 has supported nearly every major U.S. military operation, from Vietnam and Desert Storm to Iraqi Freedom and present-day NATO missions. Despite its age, the Stratotanker remains a vital force multiplier, bridging time, distance, and fuel gaps in joint and coalition operations. It is expected to remain in service until the KC-46 Pegasus fully replaces the fleet in the coming decades.
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
