KC-135 / C-135
I'm seeking opinions about a small disagreement we are having regarding the previous NASA 'Vomit Comet' aircraft.
These aircraft were originally manufactured as KC-135A tankers but later had the refueling capability removed to support the 'reduced gravity' training operations for the Apollo astronauts.
I maintain that with the removal of the tanking capability, under the US military designation system, the aircraft became C-135As - or perhaps NKC-135As - but others say it is still KC-135.
I know this is such a minor point but interested to hear opinions.