Data Quality86%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the aerial refueling tankers category.
01 / Overview
McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender
Category
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1981–1987
Quantity
10
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
AERIAL REFUELING TANKERS · COLD WAR
2
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
60
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the aerial refueling tankers category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
- First Flight1980
- Service Entry Year1981
- Crew9
- Primary RoleTanker/transport
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant3MOD.3
- Engine TypeGeneral Electric F103 (GE CF6-50C2)
- Number of Engines3
- Thrust (each)220
▣Performance5MOD.5
- Cruise Speed850 km/h
- Top Speed865.75 km/h
- Service Ceiling12,801.6 m
- Maximum Range11,500 km
- Unpaved / Short FieldNo
◇Cargo & Capacity1MOD.1
◆Aerial Refueling4MOD.4
- Aerial TankerYes
- Fuel Offload Capacity161,000 kg
- Refueling Method (boom/drogue)Boom
- In-Flight RefuelableYes
▤Dimensions & Weights5MOD.5
- Length55.169 m
- Wingspan47.3 m
- Height17.8 m
- Empty Weight109,329.847 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight280,000 kg
⬢Production2MOD.2
- Total Built60
- Variants2
▲Service History4MOD.4
- Retirement Year2024
- Production Start1979
- Production End1987
- Operational StatusIn limited service
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1981Production started
- 1987Production ended
45
years in service
6
years in production
10
units produced
4
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
Operator Countries4country
05 / MASS Score
AERIAL REFUELING TANKERS RANKING Aerial Refueling Tankers · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
11AERIAL REFUELING TANKERS2COLD WAR · AERIAL REFUELING TANKERS525UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS14PERFORMANCE/PRICE · AERIAL REFUELING TANKERS
ⓘ Rankings are within theAerial Refueling Tankerscategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE2terms
Aerial tanker: military aircraft equipped to refuel other aircraft in flight using a system of hoses or booms.
Capable of receiving fuel from another aircraft while in flight, extending its operational range and endurance.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources