KerbalX

Details

• Type: SPH
• Class: ship
• Part Count: 265
• Pure Stock

McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender

The KC-10 is a modified DC-10 airliner used for refueling aircraft over the entire world. KC-10s work alongside the KC-135s to allow globe-spanning range for the U.S. military’s fleet of fighter, bomber, and transport aircraft.

The KC-10 was developed in response to the realization that the KC-135 fleet was aging, and lacked the capabilities required for the modern battlefields that would come in the late 70’s and 80’s. Two long-range airliners were considered, the Boeing 747 and the DC-10, with the latter ultimately being chosen thanks to its shorter takeoff roll. The KC-10 was outfitted with both boom and probe-and-drogue refueling capabilities, allowing it to refuel aircraft from all branches of the armed forces.

This replica’s boom is ironically less reliable than my KC-135 (if you’re looking to actually refuel craft in mid-air, go with the -135), but handles much better, and has longer range. It has half the engines, and is only about 40 m/s slower in level flight. However, it handles much better, and is surprisingly acrobatic for a plane of its size. In order to lower the boom, use 2, and then 1. To recover, hit 1, then 2 once it redocks.