McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender

20 Feb 2026 · © Unknown

Red engine covers are used for ground protection. The 60th/349th AMW at Travis AFB/CA operate some of the last KC-10s; the pictured aircraft may soon be retired.

4 likes 0 comments

Comments (0)

No comments yet.

More like this

General Dynamics / Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon

Aircraft

KC-10 Extender KC-10

U.S. Air Force grey, 60th Air Mobility Wing / 349th Air Mobility Wing markings

0191

Registration

Airline

U.S. Air Force

USAF

Manufacturer

McDonnell Douglas

Insights

Aviation History

The KC-10 Extender is a U.S. Air Force aerial refueling tanker based on the DC-10 airliner, operated since the early 1980s; only 60 built.

Fleet Rarity

Fewer than 45 active in 2024, all with the USAF; being phased out in favor of the KC-46A Pegasus.

Record Flights

Played major roles in airbridge logistics for operations Desert Storm and ongoing expeditionary deployments.

Safety & Events

Generally reliable with few major incidents; some involved in critical support flights during major operations.

Future Outlook

Most are set to retire by 2025; several will be stored or scrapped, with potential for a few museum preservations.

Specifications

General Electric CF6-50C2

Engine

50.41 m

Wingspan

55.35 m

Length

7,080 km (with max payload)

Range

908 km/h

Speed

Up to 75 personnel plus 170,000 kg fuel or mix of cargo

Capacity

267,620 kg

MTOW

17.7 m

Height

3 x 233 kN (52,500 lbf) each

Thrust

ICAO Chapter 3 (older standard); 94–99 EPNdB at takeoff

Noise

KC-10 technical/procurement details sometimes confuse with DC-10-30 due to shared airframe.