The
design of the KC-135 Stratotanker began in 1952 when Boeing
gambled $16 million of it's own money to build a prototype of a new
jet airliner. Boeing's money was supplemented by the U.S. Air
Force's need for a high speed tanker to fuel it's new B-47
jet bombers.
Initially designated the 367-80 (or Dash 80) to
maintain secrecy, the prototype first flew in 1954. Originally
designed with a 132 inch diameter fuselage, the U.S. Air Force
required 144 inches. The redesigned KC-135 first flew in 1956.
In total, 820 KC-135 tankers and C-135
transports (Stratolifters) were produced. With updated CFM56/F108
engines and avionics, these aircraft will continue in use past 2020.
In order to compete successfully with the Douglas
DC-8, Boeing again increased the diameter of the fuselage, this
time to 148 inches. This civil version was dubbed the 707.
