The KC135 refueling plane makes it possible for other aircraft to refuel while still in the air. This is not a new technology or concept but is being used more often than not in experimental flights as well as many futuristic advances. These planes have a solid design and make it possible to keep pilots in the air longer, especially during war time and training. To ensure that forces could continuously stay in the air long enough to make a difference, the KC135 does its job of refueling and keeping planes in the air.

Some of the more advanced experimental aircraft must be tested continuously in air to make sure that the design is well put together and can withstand long periods of use without fail. By using planes such as the KC135 for these types of maneuvers, the military can ensure that their investment of millions of dollars is worth the money. Every one of the KC135 planes themselves cost an average of 44 million to build and have been in use for quite some time now. These planes are large enough to carry enough fuel for many different refuels of different aircrafts. Tanker planes such as these were not only used for refueling and have brought many advances with them with research projects and other experimental flights.

NASA as well as many other programs have used the KC135 for different reasons. Many of the planes are well over 40 years old now and are beginning to cost more and more to maintain. The E and R KC135 models are expected to keep working until 2040 having over 38000 hours of flight under them. They will also be reaching 80 years of usage by then and be one of the only plane designs to undergo only minor upgrades for such a long time with the extent of the upgrades being control panel upgrades!