KC-10 shows off capabilities to CAP

  • Published
  • By Douglas Kahn
  • Gettysburg Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron 308

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. – A Travis KC-10 Extender was at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland for the 2017 open house and airshow, giving aviation fans an up-close look at state-of-the-art U.S. Air Force aircraft. Aircrafts included were F-15E Super Eagle, A-10C Thunderbolt II, C-5M Super Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, T-1A Jayhawk, C-32, KC-135 Stratotanker and two experimental aircraft in the USAF T-X program the T-50 and the Textron AirLand Scorpion.

While at the airshow, the cadets were exposed to several science, technology, engineering and math booths run by active duty military personnel, NASA, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the USAF Office of Special Investigations. The cadets explained several of the degree granting programs in the STEM realm, the grades and procedures to become a cadet.


The highlight was receiving information from the Travis-based flight crew of four, a pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer and boom operator. The aircraft commander, a recent cancer survivor, explained how the KC-10 can transport up to 75 people and nearly 170,000 pounds of cargo a distance of about 4,400 miles unrefueled.

A modified Boeing Company DC-10, the KC-10A entered service in 1981. Although it retains 88 percent of systems commonality with the DC-10, it has additional systems and equipment necessary for its Air Force mission. These additions include military avionics; aerial refueling boom and aerial refueling hose and drogue; seated aerial refueling operator station; and aerial refueling receptacle and satellite communications.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, KC-10s have played a prominent role in the fight against terrorism. The KC-10 has flown more than 350 missions guarding U.S. skies as a part of Operation Noble Eagle. During operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, KC-10s flew more than 10,000 missions delivering critical air refueling support to numerous joint and coalition receiver aircraft.

The Travis boom operator discussed the boom operator controls refueling operations through a digital, fly-by wire system. Sitting in the rear of the aircraft, the operator can see the receiver aircraft through a wide window. During boom refueling operations, fuel is transferred to the receiver at a maximum rate of 1,100 gallons per minute; the hose and drogue refueling maximum rate is 470 gallons per minute. The automatic load alleviation and independent disconnect systems greatly enhance safety and facilitate air refueling. The KC-10 can be air-refueled by a KC-135 or another KC-10A to increase its delivery range.

The large cargo-loading door can accept most air forces’ fighter unit support equipment. Powered rollers and winches inside the cargo compartment permit moving heavy loads. The cargo compartment can accommodate loads ranging from 27 pallets to a mix of 17 pallets and 75 passengers.

The KC-10A is operated by the 305th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey; and the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis AFB, California. Air Force Reserve Associate units are assigned to the 349th Air Mobility Wing at Travis, and the 514th Air Mobility Wing at JB MDL.