A remarkable mid-air refueling silhouette: a KC-135 Stratotanker transfers fuel to a Rockwell B-1B Lancer high above.
© Unknown
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Spotter's notes
USAF KC135 & B1 Lancer (The Bones) air to air refuelling
Aircraft identity
ICAO Type
KC-135/RC-135 (left, tanker), B-1 Lancer (right, receiver)
Model
KC-135 Stratotanker (left) and B-1B Lancer (right)
Manufacturer
Boeing (left - KC-135), Rockwell (right - B-1)
Airline
United States Air Force (USAF)
Livery
Likely standard USAF gray scheme (details not clear)
Military
Military
Technicals
Wingspan
KC-135: 39.88 m, B-1B: 41.8 m
Length
KC-135: 41.53 m, B-1B: 44.81 m
Height
KC-135: 12.7 m, B-1B: 10.4 m
MTOW
KC-135: 146,285 kg, B-1B: 216,364 kg
Range
KC-135: 2,419 km (with max fuel), B-1B: 11,999 km (ferry range)
Capacity
KC-135: Typical fuel load 90,719 kg, B-1B: Crew of 4 (bomb load up to 34,019 kg)
Cruise Speed
KC-135: 852 km/h, B-1B: 900 km/h (Mach 0.92 cruise)
Camera
Device
Nikon D3300
Lens
55-300mm