KC-10 EXTENDER

Mobility Forum, Sep/Oct 2004

Mission - The KC-10 Extender is an Air Mobility Command advanced tanker and cargo aircraft designed to provide increased global mobility for U.S. armed forces. Although the KC-10's primary mission is aerial refueling, it can combine the tasks of a tanker and cargo aircraft by refueling fighters and simultaneously carry the fighter support personnel and equipment on overseas deployments.

Features - The KC-10 can transport up to 75 people and nearly 170,000 pounds (76,560 kilograms) of cargo a distance of about 4,400 miles (7,040 kilometers) unrefueled.

In addition to the three main DC-10 wing fuel tanks, the KC-10 has three large fuel tanks under the cargo floor, one under the forward lower cargo compartment, one in the center wing area and one under the rear compartment. Combined, the capacity of the six tanks carry more than 356,000 pounds (160,200 kilograms) of fuel - almost twice as much as the KC-135 Stratotanker.

Primary Function: Aerial tanker and transport * Prime Contractor: The Boeing Company * Power Plant: Three General Electric CF6-50C2 turbofans * Thrust: 52,500 pounds (23,625 kilograms), each engine * Length: 181 feet, 7 inches (54.4 meters) * Height: 58 feet, 1 inch (17.4 meters) * Wingspan: 165 feet, 4.5 inches (50 meters) * Speed: 619 mph (Mach 0.825) * Ceiling: 42,000 feet (12,727 meters) * Maximum Takeoff Weight: 590,000 pounds (265,500 kilograms) * Range: 4,400 miles (3,800 nautical miles) with cargo; 11,500 miles (10,000 nautical miles) without cargo * Maximum Cargo Payload: 170,000 pounds (76,560 kilograms) * Pallet Positions: 27 * Maximum Fuel Load: 356,000 pounds (160,200 kilograms) * Crew: Four (pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer and boom operator) Certain missions may require additional crew members. * Date Deployed: March 1981 · Inventory: Active force, 59; ANG, O; Reserve, O