McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender

The McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender is an American tanker and cargo aircraft operated by the United States Air Force (USAF). A military version of the three-engine DC-10 airliner, the KC-10 was developed from the Advanced Tanker Cargo Aircraft Program. It incorporates military-specific equipment for its primary roles of aerial refueling and transport. It was developed to supplement the KC-135 Stratotanker following experiences in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The KC-10 was the second McDonnell Douglas transport aircraft to be selected by the Air Force following the C-9. A total of 60 KC-10s were produced for the USAF. The Royal Netherlands Air Force operated two similar tankers designated KDC-10 that were converted from DC-10s.
The KC-10 plays a key role in the mobilization of US military assets, taking part in overseas operations far from home. These aircraft performed airlift and aerial refueling during the 1986 bombing of Libya (Operation Eldorado Canyon), the 1990-91 Gulf War with Iraq (Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm), the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia (Operation Allied Force), War in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom), and Iraq War (Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn).

[@MrGoodnplenty1957]

79-1946 was the 7th one off the line back in 1982. They were blue and white back when i first flew in them. I was a KC-10 Boom Operator from 1986-1999. To me it will always be "The Gucci Bird." Looks like the videos were taken at one of the RAF bases we used to fly into. Thanks for the memories.

[@JimRamsayJWR]

The videos were mostly taken at EGPK/PIK Prestwick Airport in Scotland. I sneaked in an RAF Mildenhall KC-10 takeoff. That is in the south of England.

[@MrGoodnplenty1957]

@@JimRamsayJWR When i was a KC-135 & KC-10 Boom Operator, i went to alot of RAF bases, Mildenhall, Lakenheath, Upper-Heyford, Fairford, Brize Norton, & Bentwaters. Most of my flights were out of Mildenhall & Fairford.

[@moniquevanaken2638]

In the 1970's I flew as an airline stess both for Martinair and KLM. Due to the steep takeoff and our takeoff positions facing the passengers (most of whom had never flown before) it was always fun to see the shocked faces of them. From our takeoff positions it was like looking down a very steep hill. But a great aircraft to work on. Some of them (as cargo aircrafts) flew more than 40 yrs!

[@JimRamsayJWR]

I know they had MD11 aircraft, great job and sounds funny when folks are amazed at the angle these beauties rise up at!

[@MrGoodnplenty1957]

@@JimRamsayJWR if you want to see how the KC-10 does airshow departures, check out this link. During airshows, we boom operators had to in the "boom pod" with the sighting door open for all takeoffs so we go right into our demo. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIC2eYB4lLmjm5o

[@KevinMeno2008]

First KC-10 in this video 79-1946 retired January 2024; 91946 retired with 9th ARS patch reinstated on nose (91946 was the 9th ARS flagship KC-10)

[@paulschab8152]

It is such a shame all will be retired by this year. The KC-46 isn't on the same level.

[@KevinMeno2008]

All KC-10s now retired with final flight having occurred on 26 Sept 2026 on KC-10 #91948 "Excalibur" SUU-DMA.