AF Form 4087 KC-10 CG Graph: Download & Guide 2025

AF Form 4087 KC-10 CG Graph: Download & Guide 2025 – The AF Form 4087, officially known as the KC-10 CG Graph, is a specialized U.S. Air Force form used for plotting and verifying the center of gravity (CG) on the KC-10 Extender aerial refueling and cargo aircraft. This graph form plays a critical role in ensuring safe flight operations by helping aircrew and load planners maintain the aircraft within approved CG limits during loading, fuel management, and mission planning.

Maintained as part of official Air Force technical data, AF Form 4087 supports the broader weight and balance procedures outlined in AFMAN 11-2KC-10 Volume 3 (KC-10 Operations Procedures). It works alongside related forms such as AF Form 4088 (KC-10 Weight and Balance Fuel Vectors) and AF Form 4095 (KC-10A Load Planning Worksheet).

What Is the KC-10 Extender and Why Does CG Matter?

The KC-10 Extender (based on the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 airframe) served as a versatile USAF tanker and transport aircraft from 1981 until its retirement in 2024. It combined aerial refueling capabilities (boom and drogue systems) with significant cargo capacity, making precise weight and balance calculations essential for safe takeoffs, landings, in-flight refueling, and fuel transfers.

Center of gravity (CG) refers to the point where the aircraft’s total weight is balanced. Maintaining CG within manufacturer- and USAF-approved limits is vital because:

  • An aft CG can reduce stability and increase stall risk.
  • A forward CG can increase control forces and reduce elevator effectiveness.
  • Proper CG optimizes fuel efficiency, performance, and structural loads, especially during long-range missions or when carrying mixed fuel/cargo loads.

The KC-10’s large fuel capacity and variable cargo configurations require tools like the AF Form 4087 CG Graph to quickly visualize and adjust loading plans.

Purpose of AF Form 4087: KC-10 CG Graph

Aircrew and flight engineers use the KC-10 CG Graph to:

  • Plot the aircraft’s calculated CG against allowable limits for different gross weights and configurations.
  • Verify that fuel loading, cargo placement, and passenger distributions keep the CG inside the approved envelope.
  • Support manual weight and balance computations when digital tools are unavailable or as a backup/cross-check.

The graph typically displays CG limits as percentage of mean aerodynamic chord (% MAC) versus aircraft gross weight or other parameters. It helps ensure compliance with flight manual limits (T.O. 1C-10(K)A-1 series) and operational procedures in AFMAN 11-2KC-10V3.

In training materials for KC-10 flight engineers, the form appears alongside CG/Fuel Management Graphs in the performance manual, emphasizing its role in center of gravity control during fuel dumping, refueling, and normal operations.

How AF Form 4087 Fits into KC-10 Weight and Balance Procedures?

  1. Load Planning — Use AF Form 4095 to compile initial weights and moments for cargo, passengers, and equipment.
  2. Fuel Vectoring — Apply AF Form 4088 to account for fuel distribution across the KC-10’s multiple tanks.
  3. CG Plotting — Transfer data to AF Form 4087 to graph the resulting CG position and confirm it falls within limits.
  4. Documentation — Record final computations on DD Form 365-4 (Weight and Balance Clearance Form) as required.

The boom operator or flight engineer often handles these calculations, with the Pilot in Command (PIC) ultimately responsible for ensuring the aircraft remains within limits. Deviations or missing equipment affecting weight and balance must be properly documented.

Download AF Form 4087

Official versions of the KC-10 CG Graph (AF Form 4087) and related physical/epub formats are available through U.S. Air Force e-Publishing channels. Authorized users can access them here:

Always verify you are using the most current revision through the official Air Force e-Publishing website (e-publishing.af.mil) or your unit’s technical order distribution office, as forms and procedures can be updated.

Note: These files are intended for official U.S. Air Force use and training. Unauthorized distribution or use may be restricted.

  • AF Form 4088 — KC-10 Weight and Balance Fuel Vectors
  • AF Form 4095 — KC-10A Load Planning Worksheet
  • AFMAN 11-2KC-10V3 — KC-10 Operations Procedures (January 2023)
  • Technical Orders: T.O. 1C-10(K)A-1 (Flight Manual) and performance data manuals containing CG/Fuel Management Graphs

These resources provide the detailed charts, limits, and step-by-step guidance needed for accurate computations.

Best Practices for Using the KC-10 CG Graph

  • Double-check all weight and moment inputs against current aircraft basic weight and equipment listings.
  • Account for fuel burn and transfer effects on CG throughout the mission profile.
  • Maintain the most fuel-efficient CG when operational constraints allow, as noted in KC-10 evaluator criteria.
  • For non-standard configurations, consult waivers and addenda in AFMAN 11-2KC-10V3.

Proper use of AF Form 4087 contributes directly to flight safety, mission effectiveness, and aircraft longevity.

Conclusion

The AF Form 4087 KC-10 CG Graph remains a foundational tool in the weight and balance toolkit for the KC-10 Extender. Whether you are a USAF aircrew member, load planner, or maintainer supporting KC-10 operations (or studying legacy procedures post-retirement), understanding this form is key to safe and efficient heavy tanker operations.

For the latest official guidance, visit the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site and cross-reference with current technical orders. Accurate CG management using tools like AF Form 4087 helps ensure every mission launches and returns safely.

This article is for informational purposes and draws from publicly referenced U.S. Air Force manuals and training materials. Always consult current, official publications and qualified personnel for operational use.