The KC-10A tanker can deliver 200,000 pounds (90,719 kg) of fuel to a receiver 2200 statute miles (3539.8 km) from the home base and return, or it can carry a maximum cargo payload of 169,409 pounds (76,843 kg) a distance of 4370 statute miles (7031 km). Unrefueled ferry range of the KC-lOA is 11,500 statute miles (18,503 km).
The KC-10 deploys fighter aircraft, including support equipment and personnel, nonstop to any point on the globe. It increases the payload/range of cargo airlifters with air refueling, and it augments the airlift fleet by carrying cargo and personnel.
A derivative of the Boeing commercial DC-10-30 convertible freighter, the KC-10 is powered by three General Electric CF6-50C2 turbofan engines. All nonessential systems and equipment are removed from the DC-10 and those necessary for the KC-10 mission added. These include additional fuel tanks in the lower fuselage compartments, advanced air refueling boom, independent hose reel/drogue system, remote air refueling operators station (KDC-10), air refueling receptacle and military avionics.
By employing its refueling boom or hose/drogue system, the KC-10 can refuel a wide variety of U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps aircraft, as well as aircraft from allied nations. It can refuel both receptacle-equipped and probe-equipped aircraft on the same flight.
| Version | KC-10 |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Country | USA |
| Type | Aerial tanker and transport |
| Powerplant | GE CF6-50C2 turbofans (3x) |
| Thrust | 52,500 lbs 23,625kg, each engine |
| Length | 181ft 54.4m |
| Height | 58ft 17.4m |
| Wingspan | 165ft 50m |
| Weight | 590,000 lbs 265,500kg (max take-off) |
| Speed | 619mph Mach 0.825 |
| Ceiling | 42,000ft 12,727m |
| Crew | 4 |
| Unit cost | $88.4 million (1998) |
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