KDC-10 T-264
Visits Miami International Airport (KMIA)

While preflighting a few of our Gemini DC-10's on September 5, 2002, I noticed a DC-10 taxiing into the cargo ramp. It seemed odd that a passenger aircraft would be parking at the Western U Cargo Ramp here in Miami. Then I recognized the paint scheme as a RNAF KDC-10! Several of the maintenance techs I was working with had no idea what I was talking about when I exclaimed that we had to check out this rare aircraft, they had never heard of the KDC-10. The crew was great and gave us full access to the aircraft. There was a Boeing Rep on board and he was kind enough to fire up the Remote Aerial Refueling console for us. Luckily, one of my coworkers had his camera with him and we were able to capture these great shots!

Click photos to enlarge
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T-264 & two Gemini Air Cargo DC-10-30F's
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The red/white anti-collision beacon identifies this aircraft as a tanker when in flight
(identical to KC-10)
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Underbody as viewed from the nose gear
Flaps/Slats set at 35/land
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Here is the RARO system
The operator uses 3D glasses and stereoscopic cameras to give true depth perception during refueling operations.
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An underbody shot of the PDI
(Pilot Director Indicator) Lights
The two white protrusions are the #1 & #2 ADF Loop antennas.
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Here is the passenger compartment, which would be the C Zone on a DC-10.
It is virtually unchanged from the passenger model.
The cargo compt is located where B Zone would be,
with seats and the RARO equipment located in A Zone.
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The business end of this tanker.
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The wingtips feature supplemental formation lights, just like a fighter.
(identical to KC-10)
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Supplental wing lights aid in visibility during refueling operations.
(identical to KC-10)
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Supplemental fuselage lighting tucked into the inboard flap hinge fairing.
(identical to KC-10)
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Unlike the KC-10, the KDC-10 does not have upper fuselage spotlights installed on the leading edge of the vertical stab.

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