KC-10 Extender (Wallpaper 1) aircraft photo gallery | AirSkyBuster

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KC-10 Extender (Wallpaper 1). KC-10 Extender aircraft photo wallpaper gallery 1. KC-10 Extender air-to-air tanker aircraft pictures and images collection 1. The McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender is an air-to-air tanker aircraft in service with the United States Air Force, derived from the civilian DC-10-30 airliner. The KC-10 was the second consecutive McDonnell Douglas transport aircraft to be selected by the US Air Force following the C-9 Nightingale. The similar KDC-10 is in service with the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Beginning with the Vietnam War doubts began to be raised about the ability of the 700+ KC-135 fleet to meet the needs of the United States' global commitments. The aerial refueling fleet was deployed to Southeast Asia in support of tactical aircraft and strategic bombers, while maintaining the US-based support of the nuclear bomber fleet. The United States Air Force as a result sought an air-to-air tanker with a greater capability than the KC-135. In 1972 two DC-10s were flown in trials at Edwards Air Force Base, simulating air refuelings to check for possible wake issues. Boeing performed similar tests with a 747. KC-10 Extender (Wallpaper 1). KC-10 Extender aircraft photo wallpaper gallery 1. KC-10 Extender air-to-air tanker aircraft pictures and images collection 1. The 1973 Yom Kippur War and the US Operation Nickel Grass demonstrated the necessity of adequate air-refueling capabilities. Denied landing rights in Europe, USAF C-5 Galaxies were forced to carry a fraction of their maximum payload on direct flights from the continental United States to Israel. As a result C-5 crews were soon trained in aerial refueling and the U.S. Department of Defense concluded that a more advanced tanker was needed. In 1975, under the Advance Tanker Cargo Aircraft program, four aircraft were evaluated: the C-5 itself, the Boeing 747, the McDonnell Douglas DC-10, and the Lockheed L-1011. The U.S Air Force selected McDonnell Douglas's DC-10 over Boeing's 747 in December 1977. The design for the KC-10 involved only modifications from the DC-10-30CF design. The major changes were the addition of a boom control station in the rear of the fuselage and extra fuel tanks below the main deck. The KC-10 has both a centerline refueling boom and a drogue/hose system on the right side of the rear fuselage. Other changes from the DC-10-30CF include the removal of most cargo doors and windows. KC-10 Extender (Wallpaper 1). KC-10 Extender aircraft photo wallpaper gallery 1. KC-10 Extender air-to-air tanker aircraft pictures and images collection 1.