McDonnell Douglas KC-10A Extender

The KC-10 Extender was developed from the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 airliner in response to a need for an aerial refuelling and cargo aircraft that surpassed the KC-135s capabilities in both range, fuel payload and cargo payload. A competition was held between the DC-10, Boeing 747, Lockheed C-5 Galaxy and Lockheed L-1011 Tristar following experiences during the Yom Kippur war where C-5s were not allowed to land in Europe to refuel and had to fly with reduced payloads to reach Israel from the USA in one hop.

In total 60 KC-10s were delivered to the USAF and a further 2 aircraft were supplied to the Royal Netherland Air Force which were designated as the KDC-10. The type has been strategically important to global USAF operations since entering service in 1981 and has often been the aircraft of choice to refuel deploying flights of aircraft across the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. The type is now in the twilight of its career with only a few left in service as it's replacement, the KC-46 Pegasus is delivered in greater numbers.

A single KC-10 will be appearing on static display at this year’s Air Tattoo as part of our NATO 75th celebrations. The aircraft will be provided by the 79th Aerial Refuelling Squadron based at Travis AFB in California. This will be the final time a KC-10 will appear at RIAT and the type will be retired during September 2024.

Photo Credit: RIAT Volunteer