KC-135 Stratotanker vs KC-46 Pegasus: how to tell them apart

Two transport and support aircraft that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

KC-135 Stratotanker

Transport or support aircraft, USA. In service since 1957

Four-jet airliner-like tanker with a low swept wing, single engine pods and a refuelling boom under the tail.

USA, Turkey, Chile

Transport or support aircraft, USA. In service since 2019

Two-engine Boeing 767 airliner shape with a low wing, a refuelling boom under the tail and drogue pods under the wings.

USA, Japan, Israel