Heavy-lifters

 

The new security situation that emerged after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 made it more likely that Dutch units would be deployed further afield, on the periphery of NATO’s borders or, more likely, beyond them. The need for adequate air transport capacity became even more critical. A defence memorandum of 1991 recommended replacement of the outdated Fokker F27 fleet by a combination of transports offering greater strategic and tactical mobility. To meet this need, the Dutch defence ministry acquired four aircraft types: the C-130H-30, Fokker 60 and Fokker 50 for tactical requirements, and a pair of KDC-10 tanker-transports for strategic missions. The KDC-10s have been in Koninklijke Luchtmacht (Royal Netherlands Air Force, RNLAF) service since 1995 and will be replaced by the new Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) from next year.

Diverse squadron

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below