Dover in Kent County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

KC-10A

Extender

— S/N 79-0433 —

KC-10A Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Pete Skillman, April 20, 2024

1. KC-10A Marker

Inscription.
This KC-10 was the first to be produced and performed the role as the demonstrator for the series.

Early in the 1970s it was evident the KC-135 Stratotanker had limited operational capabilities and was unable to maintain the demands of the U.S. Air Force. To augment its duties and procure a larger, long-range, general purpose tanker, the KC-10 Extender was purchased in 1978 and entered service in 1981.

Although it retains 88% commonality with the DC-10, it has additional systems and equipment necessary for its Air Force mission. These additions include military grade avionics, an aerial refueling boom and hose and drogue system, a seated refueling operator station, refueling receptacle, and satellite communications.

The KC-10 was crucial in supporting global military operations. As with the KC-135, it allowed strategic aircraft to reach their destination without stopping. Long-range deployment of tactical fighters was simultaneously provided in-flight refueling and cargo airlift. When needed, it could reconfigure into an aeromedevac role to transport litter patients.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Cold. A significant historical year for this entry is 1981.

Location. 39° 7.035′ N, 75° 27.385′

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W. Marker is in Dover, Delaware, in Kent County. Marker is on Heritage Road, half a mile east of Bayside Drive (Delaware Route 9), on the left when traveling east. Located at Air Mobility Command Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB DE 19902, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. C-5A (here, next to this marker); LGM-30 (within shouting distance of this marker); C-45G (within shouting distance of this marker); C-60 (within shouting distance of this marker); KC-135E (within shouting distance of this marker); U-3A (within shouting distance of this marker); C-5 (within shouting distance of this marker); KC-97L (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dover.

KC-10A and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Pete Skillman, April 20, 2024

2. KC-10A and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 54 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 20, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.