[Llarry]

The KC-10 was the most versatile tanker that the USAF flew with a boom for high flow rate refueling of receptacle-equipped aircraft AND a drogue for probe-equipped aircraft. On a single mission, a KC-10 could refuel both types of receivers. And it carried a lot more fuel than the KC-135.

The KC-10A first flew in 1980 and became operational in 1982. The Netherlands bought several equivalent aircraft which were converted from civil DC-10s. While both the USAF and the RNLAF have retired their aircraft, three ex-Dutch aircraft continue in the tanker role as civil aircraft under contracts.