The retiring KC-10 Extender taxiing and taking off

The KC-10 Extender was developed from the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 airliner to meet the need for an aerial refueling and cargo aircraft that surpasses the KC-135's capabilities in range, fuel payload, and cargo payload. Following the experience during the Yom Kippur War, where C-5 Galaxies were not allowed to land in Europe to refuel and had to reduce payloads to reach Israel from the USA in one hop, a competition was held. The competitors included the DC-10, Boeing 747, Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, and Lockheed L-1011 TriStar.
The USAF received a total of 60 KC-10s, with an additional 2 aircraft supplied to the Royal Netherlands Air Force, designated as KDC-10s. Since entering service in 1981, this type has been strategically important to global USAF operations and is often the aircraft of choice for refueling transatlantic or transpacific deploying flights. With the increasing delivery of its replacement, the KC-46 Pegasus, this type is now in the twilight of its career, with only a few remaining in service.
At this year's Air Tattoo, a KC-10 will be on static display as part of our NATO 75th celebrations. The aircraft will be provided by the 79th Aerial Refueling Squadron based at Travis AFB in California. This will be the final time a KC-10 will appear at RIAT, as the type will be retired in September 2024. Opportunities to see it will become increasingly rare.
Video taken on July 21.2024

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Nice Aircraft

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thank you!