N612AX

This airframe, registered as N612AX, is a McDonnell Douglas-built long-range trijet manufactured in 1987 with manufacturer serial number 48290. The airframe is a McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30(ER) and is recorded as owned by BC AIRCRAFT LEASING LLC of Albuquerque, NM, US, with U.S. registration. The aircraft has been reconfigured from its original passenger role into a dedicated tanker, a notable change in its operational history under the current lessee-owner. Public records indicate the airframe is configured for large airtanker missions rather than standard passenger service.

The cabin of N612AX has been converted to VLAT firefighting configuration with retardant tanks and the standard passenger seating removed to support tanker missions; the listed original seating capacity is 345, which reflects the aircraft's passenger roots prior to conversion. Typical mission profiles for this airframe center on very large airtanker (VLAT) operations, carrying retardant loads over wildland fire zones and operating from bases supportive of large tanker logistics; the owner's location in Albuquerque, NM, US reflects a southwestern U.S. operator/home base alignment. Specific avionics fit and serial maintenance records are not published in the provided data. Maintenance considerations for this airframe include the continued upkeep of the three CF6 engines and the unique structural and systems modifications associated with aerial retardant delivery systems.

The McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30(ER) family occupies a niche for long-range, high-capacity widebodies converted for non-passenger roles such as cargo and firefighting, leveraging robust range (5,200 nm) and high payload capability. Competing platforms in the converted large-tanker market include other former widebody types and freighter-converted tri- and twinjets; demand is driven by government and firefighting contractors seeking high-capacity retardant delivery. Resale and maintenance considerations for this airframe focus on lifecycle costs of aging widebody structures, CF6 engine support, and the specialized inspection regimes for aircraft modified for aerial firefighting.