The Indispensables: KC135 Air Refueling National Archives and Records Administration ARC Identifier 64130 / Local Identifier 342SFP1797 Department of Defense. Department of the Air Force. (09/26/1947 ). This film tells the story of the "Tankers," the KC135 aircraft that were used worldwide to refuel aircraft of the Air Force and Navy. Combat stories of refueling over Vietnam are related on camera by fighter pilots, bomber pilots, and famous generals.