Nov 03 2024 4 mins 1
In this episode of the Aircraft Expeditions podcast, host Dan explores the impressive legacy of the KC-10 Extender, a military aerial refueling tanker that served the U.S. Air Force for over three decades. After discussing the origins of the KC-10, which took its first flight in 1980, the conversation takes us through its versatile capabilities and critical role in strategic operations such as the Gulf War. Despite the aircraft’s contributions, the podcast highlights the decision to retire it due to the emergence of advanced tanker models like the KC-46 Pegasus, leading to the last KC-10s being formally retired in 2024. Despite its retirement, the KC-10 Extender's impact on military aviation and its foundational role in furthering aerial refueling technologies are profoundly outlined throughout the podcast.
