The Dutch air force has taken delivery of a third McDonnell Douglas DC-10 transport acquired to meet its increasing demand for long-range airlift.
The Netherlands government decided to purchase the ex-United Airlines DC-10-30CF convertible freighter to relieve the transport duties now conducted using its two KDC-10 tanker/transports, freeing them to conduct more in-flight refuelling operations.
The newly delivered aircraft had been held in storage in the Arizona desert and will be delivered to the same configuration as the KDC-10s, minus their refuelling equipment. Its first operational flight is expected to take place in early 2006, following a major overhaul and upgrade.
Dutch secretary for defence Cees van der Knaap also informed parliament last month that the ministry of defence intends to purchase a third Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules tactical transport from surplus UK Royal Air Force stocks. The aircraft will enter service around mid-2006 after undergoing modifications.
Source: Flight International
