KC-135 Crew Had No Chance of Rescue

KC-135 Crew Had No Chance of Rescue An American KC-135R Stratotanker that crashed in western Iraq was not equipped with parachutes or an ejection system. The US Air Force phased out parachutes for this aircraft type in 2008, deeming them unlikely to aid survival in emergencies. The Pentagon and US Central Command declined to comment on the rescue equipment, while Russia suggested the plane may have been shot down.

• The US Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker that crashed in western Iraq was not equipped with parachutes or an ejection system.
• Parachutes were phased out for this aircraft type by the US Air Force in 2008, based on assessments of low survival probabilities in emergencies.
• The construction of large transport and tanker aircraft like the KC-135 is not designed for ejection systems, which are typically used in fighter jets.
• The Pentagon and US Central Command refused to provide specific information regarding the rescue equipment on the crashed aircraft.
• Russian media cited a Russian major general suggesting the tanker might have been accidentally shot down by an Iranian missile system.
• Iran’s state television reported the plane was destroyed by a missile and that no crew members survived.