KC-10 Extender

A regular visitor to Prestwick is this USAF KC-10 Extender, AMC 60028. This is an aerial refuelling tanker used to extend the range of military aircraft. She as both a centreline boom refuelling arm and a drogue and hose system on the rear starboard side giving her the ability to fuel both systems.

Based on the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 the plane still retains 88% of the original commercial aircraft, the main differences being improved cargo handling, military avionics and the refuelling systems.

The KC-10 Extender first flew in July 1980 but it was not until October of that year that the first aerial refuelling operations were carried out.