KC-10A Extender
KC-10 Extender Custom Aircraft Flag The KC-10 Extender: History, Specifications, and Legacy Visit our store at Hangar2AMerch Early Design and Development The KC-10A Extender is a military air refueling tanker developed from the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 commercial airliner. In the 1970s, the U.S. Air Force sought a replacement for the aging KC-135 Stratotanker to meet the growing operational needs of refueling large fleets of aircraft over long distances. McDonnell Douglas, leveraging its successful DC-10 widebody design, proposed the KC-10A Extender, an aircraft that would not only provide air-to-air refueling but also serve as a long-range transport aircraft capable of moving cargo, personnel, and equipment. The DC-10 itself was first flown in 1970 and became a popular choice for commercial airlines. Its three-engine design, wide fuselage, and high capacity made it a suitable candidate for military adaptation. The KC-10 was developed by incorporating additional fuel tanks and refueling equipment, with McDonnell Douglas modifying the design to meet military standards while retaining the original DC-10’s reliability and structural advantages. Production Numbers and Specifications Production of the KC-10 Extender began in the early 1980s, with the first flight occurring in 1980 and its official entry into service in 1981. A total of 60 KC-10 Extenders were produced for the U.S. Air Force between 1981 and 1987. The KC-10A Extender is a versatile and… Read More »KC-10A Extender