N150ZA

This article covers the individual Vickers VC10 K.3 airframe bearing US registration N150ZA, built in 1970 with manufacturer serial number 885. The airframe has a recorded ownership path showing AeroVision LLC as the registered owner with corporate ties to GJD Services Ltd, and later acquisition/operational project by Kepler Aerospace; corporate locations are listed as West Palm Beach, FL and the United Kingdom (storage at Dunsfold). The aircraft is maintained in a tanker/transport K.3 configuration and carries a US civil registry; notable registry action includes the acquirer/operator project by Kepler Aerospace and documented storage in the UK. Condition and valuation specifics are not published in the supplied data, though the airframe retains tanker refuelling installations typical of the K.3 conversion.

This specific VC10 K.3 has been outfitted as a tanker/transport conversion with tanker refuelling installations while retaining a typical transport seating capacity historically listed at approximately 150–175; the supplied data lists 175 seats. Operationally the airframe would be employed on long-range transport and air-to-air refuelling missions consistent with a 5,080 nm range and cruise speed near 500 kts, operating from bases in the United States and the United Kingdom as indicated by ownership and storage locations. Avionics fit and detailed mission equipment beyond the tanker installations are not published in the supplied data; maintenance considerations include support for four Conway turbofan engines and preservation during storage at Dunsfold.

The Vickers VC10 family occupies a niche as a long-range, high‑performance transport and tanker conversion built for balanced cruise at medium-to-high altitudes, exemplified by the 43,000 ft service ceiling and four‑engine layout. Competing types historically included long‑range turbofan transports and tanker conversions from other manufacturers; buyer and charter demand for such vintage four‑engine types is specialised and often linked to roles requiring bespoke tanker capability. Maintenance and resale considerations for this airframe center on parts availability for Rolls‑Royce Conway series engines, airframe preservation during storage, and the market for legacy military‑derived tanker/transports.