Air Force Plans To Retire The KC-10 Refueler Later This Year
Last week, maintenance airmen at Travis Air Force Base completed their final A-Check inspection. It marks the end of an era for the McDonnell Douglas made trijet. The Air Force plans to retire the fleet at the end of the fiscal year in September.
The weeklong inspection ensures that the aircraft is airworthy and operational. Over the course of the week, they looked over every system and made necessary repairs to address any wear and tear on the aircraft. Even with the aircraft retiring in a few months, the inspection is still required for airworthiness.
Mixed Feelings About Retirement
The KC-10 was first introduced into the Air Force fleet back in 1981. The jet has served the Air Force well during every conflict from Panama, Yugoslavia, Gulf War, Post 9/11 support, Iraq, and Afghanistan.“It’s a bummer that the KC-10 is leaving,” said Senior Airman Thomas Mihalyi, 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron inspection section team member. “We are moving to a whole new era of aircraft. We have already done four or five A-checks on the KC-46, and we are all learning.”
The KC-46 will replace the KC-10 at Travis Air Force base. With only two engines, the converted and upgraded Boeing 767 will slip in to most of the KC-10 missions.
While the KC-46 Pegasus continues to grow in its mission capabilities, it has not yet earned the adulation that the KC-10 received during its 40 years of service. Over the course of its operation it received two nicknames from its crews, “Big Sexy” and “Gucci”. Big Sexy referring to its sleek lines and attractive profile, Gucci referring to its features and crew/passenger comforts that were unheard of in a refueler before its arrival.
One KC-10 Will Be Preserved
While most of the jets will be stored at Davis Monthan AFB, one lucky jet will be preserved at the National Museum of the Air Force near Dayton AFB in Ohio. The Travis-based jet was delivered to the museum this past April for a future exhibit.