N853VV

This airframe, registered as N853VV, is a McDonnell Douglas DC-10-40 built in 1980 with manufacturer serial number 47853. The aircraft was produced by McDonnell Douglas and later entered service under the ownership of Omega Aerial Refueling Services, Inc., a corporation based in San Antonio, TX, US. As a US-registered fixed-wing multi-engine transport, N853VV has been operated in roles consistent with its conversion and ownership profile; notable registry actions include acquisition and re-registration under Omega for aerial refueling and contractor support missions. The airframe’s condition and valuation reflect its age and specialized use, with maintenance and configuration tailored to the aircraft’s tanker-support mission set.

The operational fit of N853VV reflects adaptations for multi-role service rather than standard passenger layout: while factory passenger seating is not published for this specific airframe, its conversion history under Omega suggests an internal configuration optimized for crew, mission systems, and fuel transfer equipment rather than high-density seating. Avionics and mission avionics are typically upgraded on contractor-operated DC-10-40s to support refueling operations and civil-military coordination, and maintenance cycles emphasize structural inspections and systems associated with extended-range tanker work. Typical mission profiles include long-range tethered support and transoceanic repositioning enabled by the 5,100 nm range and cruise of 490 kts, operated from Omega’s San Antonio base and contracted worldwide. Unique maintenance considerations for this airframe center on the JT9D engines and legacy airframe systems that require logistics support and parts staging.

The DC-10-40 family occupies a niche as a long-range, widebody tri-jet with significant payload and range for its era; the DC-10-40 variant was optimized for intercontinental routes and heavy operations. Competing types historically included early widebodies from Boeing and Airbus, but in the current market the DC-10-40 is primarily of interest to specialized operators for tanker, cargo, or niche charter work rather than mainstream passenger airlines. Maintenance and resale considerations for N853VV include availability of JT9D support, airframe fatigue tracking given the 1980 build year, and the economics of operating a tri-jet in contemporary fuel and regulatory environments.