The DC-10 was Douglas' first-generation wide-body transport aircraft. Introduced into service in 1971, this unique three-engine aircraft transported passengers and cargo efficiently and reliably in the world's commercial fleet. For the U.S. Air Force, the DC-10 provided aerial refueling capability as the KC-10. Three major tri-jet models, the DC-10, KC-10, and MD-11, including many design variants of each, for a total of 646 aircraft, were manufactured and delivered from this site. The DC-10 and MD-11 models provided full passenger range capability from 2,300 to 7,200 nautical miles at a cruise speed of 620 mph. The KC-10 provided a fuel capability with enormous mission flexibility for the Air Force. The KC-10 could fly 2,200 miles from home base, inflight transfer 30,000 gallons of fuel, and return home without refueling. This tri-jet family of aircraft remained in service well into the 21st Century.
