KC-10 Extender
Aircraft role	Tanker Aircraft
Manufacturer	McDonnell Douglas
Real-world origin	United States of America
AC installments	Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation Ace Combat X2: Joint Assault Ace Combat: Assault Horizon
Primary operator	Osean Air Defense Force United States Air Force
Secondary operators	Republic of Emmeria Air Force Federal Erusean Air Force Estovakian Air Force Independent State Allied Forces Ustian Air Force Yuktobanian Air Force IUPF Aurelian Air Force
[Source]

The 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. Though there are 59 Extenders currently in service, they are greatly outnumbered by the older KC-135 Stratotanker, though the KC-10 has a significantly larger fuel capacity. Conversion to the KC-10 involved only minor modifications to the DC-10, the largest of which was the addition of a boom control station in the rear of the fuselage and extra fuel tanks under the main deck.

The KC-10 is currently the world's longest-ranged production aircraft, and will continue to hold that record past the introduction of the Boeing 777-200LR, though future 777 variants may range further. The KC-10 is due to be retired when the Northrop Grumman KC-45 comes into service.

DescriptionEdit

Beginning with the Vietnam War doubts began to be raised about the ability of the 700+ strong KC-135 fleet to meet the needs of the United States’ global commitments. The air-refuelling fleet was deployed to South-East Asia in support of tactical aircraft and strategic bombers, while maintaining the US-based support of the nuclear bomber fleet. As a result, studies began into the feasibility of acquiring an air-to-air tanker with a greater capability than the KC-135 fleet, but did not progress well due to lack of funding.

The 1973 Yom Kippur War and the US Operation Nickel Grass demonstrated the necessity of adequate air-refuelling 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 Galaxy crews were soon trained in aerial-refuelling and the 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 refuelling 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. The KC-10 first flew on 12 July 1980. Early aircraft featured a paint scheme with light gray on the airplane's belly and white on the upper portion. A gray-green camouflage scheme was used on later tankers. Aircraft have since been switched to a medium gray color. The KC-10 boom operator is located in the rear of the airplane with wide window for monitoring refuelling. The operator controls refueling operations through a digital, fly-by wire system.

A total of 20 KC-10s were later modified to add wing-mounted pods for added refuelling locations. In addition to the USAF refuelling boom, the KC-10's hose and drogue system allows refuelling of U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and most NATO allied aircraft. This gives the KC-10 the ability to refuel USAF, USN, USMC and other NATO aircraft, all in the same mission.

SourcesEdit

• Ace Combat series (in game date)
• www.GlobalSecurity.org
• Wikipedia