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.'