How to Buy a KC-10

A KC-10 Extender takes off [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force / Kenneth Abbate)

A batch of 10 KC-10 tankers is set to be auctioned off by the U.S. Air Force. But they come with a catch: no boom.

Starting on Tuesday, the General Services Administration will open an auction for the aircraft. Bidding starts at $500,000, with the auction scheduled to end on May 6.

According to the listings, these aircraft are in a “non-flyable condition.” The buyer would be responsible for making the tankers compliant with FAA regulations.

The tankers are currently stored at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. All three engines are included, the listing states, but the refueling booms have been removed.

The KC-10’s Retirement

The U.S. Air Force officially retired its KC-10 Extender fleet in September 2024, concluding 44 years of service in aerial refueling and airlift operations. The final aircraft departed from Travis Air Force Base in California.

A KC-10 Extender, tail number 91948, sits on the flightline during the KC-10 Farewell Ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., Sept. 26, 2024. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force / Tech. Sgt. Daniel Peterson]

With around 90 in operation, the Air Force is transitioning to the newer KC-46A tankers. These aircraft are manufactured by Boeing as modified versions of the 767.

Developed from the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 commercial airliner, the KC-10 Extender was introduced in 1981 to augment the capabilities of the KC-135 Stratotanker. Equipped with both boom and hose-and-drogue refueling systems, the KC-10 could service a wide range of U.S. and allied aircraft. Its design allows for the transportation of up to 75 personnel and 170,000 pounds of cargo.

Air Force Aircraft Aviation News KC-10 Military

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Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.