The KC-10 can burn all its fuel or offload all but a couple thousand pounds.
We can easily burn the JP-7 fuel that the SR-71 used, it just doesn't
lubricate the fuel pumps as well. I assume the KC-135 is the same. Not sure
about the KC-130 with Benson tanks in the fuselage.
Curt
U. S. Air Force, almost retired

There was a mid air explosion of a KC-135 about 15 years ago. They had
offloaded all the fuel they could, and the pumps no longer had that fuel for
cooling. Something got really hot, and the remaining vapors ignited...

That doesn't compute here. The only electric fuel pumps are in the mains
and the aircraft would be down to zero fuel before one was dry. The a/r
pumps are hydraulic are routinely run until the low pressure light comes
on.


Found this online so far in my search...

"On Oct. 4, 1990, an Air Force KC-135A tanker exploded during approach to
Loring Air Force Base in Maine, in an incident that involved a rear refueling
tank rather than the central fuel tank. Witnesses said they saw two explosions
on the plane and then saw the tail section separate. Investigators blamed the
accident, which killed all four crew, on an overheated fuel pump. "



Ron
Pilot/Wildland Firefighter