KC-10 Extender programme milestone
The US Air Force (USAF) received the 150th KC-10 Extender aerial refuelling tanker aircraft from a Northrop Grumman maintenance depot, the company announced on 26 August.
Northrop Grumman has delivered product reliability improvements under the aircraft's CF6-50 engine overhaul programme, which contributes to the fleet's 15-year engine performance. The company also achieved advancements in depot production, engineering and systems modernisation to help produce a sustained three-year mission-capable rate.
Northrop Grumman has been the prime contractor on the KC-10 Extender programme since 2009. The programme's depots are located in Greensboro, North Carolina and Lake Charles, Louisiana. The company provides depot maintenance, logistics support, supply chain management and engine management and overhaul services for the aircraft. It works with teammates MTU Maintenance, Chromalloy, AAR and TIMCO Line Care to deliver these services.
Matt Emerson, director, weapon systems operations, Northrop Grumman Technical Services, said: 'The delivery of the 150th KC-10 depot aircraft contributes to the critical mission requirements of the US Air Force by ensuring that the KC-10 is operational when the customer needs it. 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.'
John Parker, vice president and general manager, integrated logistics and modernization division, Northrop Grumman Technical Services, said: 'Northrop Grumman's demonstrated performance and quality on the KC-10 programme is nothing short of exceptional. 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 refuelling sorties.'
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool]()
Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool
Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
-
![AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems]()
AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems
Taurus operates alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Orion system which supports mission management across tens of thousands of manoeuvring forces, from squad leaders to battalion commanders.
-
![AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster]()
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
![AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end]()
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
-
![Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella]()
Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella
Turkey has joined the family of countries attempting to establish a multilayered air defence system with government approval in August 2024 for the effort landed by Aselsan. Dubbed Steel Dome, the programme joins Israel’s Iron Dome, the US Golden Dome, India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra and South Korea’s low-altitude missile defence system.
-
![DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system]()
DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system
MARSS’ NiDAR system has been deployed using sensors from static platforms to provide detection and protection for static sights, such as critical infrastructure, ports and military bases.
