Aircraft Serves In Tanker And Transport Roles

The 150 th KC-10 Extender aircraft was recently delivered by Northrop Grumman from a maintenance depot to the United States Air Force. The program's depots are located in Lake Charles, Louisiana and Greensboro, North Carolina.

"The delivery of the 150 th KC-10 depot aircraft contributes to the critical mission requirements of the United States Air Force by ensuring that the KC-10 is operational when the customer needs it," said Matt Emerson, director, weapon systems operations, Northrop Grumman Technical Services. "The aircraft was accepted with zero defects, further contributing to the company's proven track record for helping the Air Force achieve the KC-10's highest fleet mission capable rates in more than 16 years."

Northrop Grumman has also made product reliability improvements in the aircraft's CF6-50 engine overhaul program, contributing to a 15-year high in engine fleet performance. Additionally, the company achieved advancements in system modernization, engineering and depot production, which have helped produce a three-year sustained mission-capable rate that exceeds the Air Force's 85 percent standard.

"Northrop Grumman's demonstrated performance and quality on the KC-10 program is nothing short of exceptional," said John Parker, vice president and general manager, integrated logistics and modernization division, Northrop Grumman Technical Services. "Deliveries were made on or ahead of schedule and met or exceeded quality expectations, which has been instrumental in the Air Force's production of an untold number of combat refueling sorties."

The KC-10 Extender can replenish the fuel of other aircraft midair while transporting personnel, equipment and patients on overseas deployments and aeromedical evacuations. Northrop Grumman has served as prime contractor on the program since 2009.

(Image provided by Northrop Grumman)

FMI: www.northropgrumman.com