DD Form 2130-7: KC-10A Load Plan (23 Pallets) – DD Form 2130-7 is the official Department of Defense (DoD) form titled KC-10A Load Plan (23 PALLETS Configuration). Issued by the Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) under the DoD Forms Management Program, the current edition date is September 1, 1998. It serves as a standardized load-planning document specifically designed for the McDonnell Douglas KC-10A Extender aircraft when configured for 23 cargo pallet positions.
According to the official DoD Forms website, the form is managed under the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (A&S). It remains referenced in current U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) publications, including the Defense Transportation Regulation (DTR) 4500.9-R, Part III, Mobility (updated through 2025–2026).
You can download the official fillable PDF directly from the DoD source: DD Form 2130-7 – KC-10A Load Plan (23 PALLETS Configuration).
Purpose of the KC-10A Load Plan (23 Pallets Configuration)
The primary purpose of DD Form 2130-7 is to document a detailed, safe, and balanced cargo load plan for the KC-10A when operating in the 23-pallet configuration. It is used when automated systems such as ICODES (Integrated Computerized Deployment System) are unavailable.
Key objectives include:
- Ensuring proper weight distribution and aircraft center of balance (CB)
- Recording load sequence, item nomenclature, dimensions, weights, and moments
- Documenting passenger seat planning data when mixed cargo/passenger loads are required
- Providing certification by a qualified load planner and load plan validator
- Supporting mission safety, airworthiness, and regulatory compliance under DTR Part III
The form is part of the broader DD Form 2130 series, which covers multiple aircraft types. DD Form 2130-6 is the companion form for the KC-10A 17-pallet configuration.
Overview of the KC-10A Extender Aircraft
The KC-10A Extender is a dual-role aerial refueling tanker and cargo transport based on the commercial DC-10-30CF. Operated by the U.S. Air Force, it can carry significant cargo while simultaneously performing air-refueling missions.
In the 23-pallet configuration (commonly associated with Configuration Codes A, B, or C in Air Force Manuals), the aircraft supports:
- Up to 23 standard 463L pallets
- Maximum cargo loads ranging from approximately 100,000 to 175,000 pounds depending on the exact sub-configuration and fuel load
- Limited passenger seating (typically 14–20 seats) reserved primarily for crew chiefs, support personnel, or extra crew members
These configurations are detailed in AFMAN 11-2KC-10V3 Addenda-A (KC-10 Aircraft Configuration). All cargo must be palletized; the KC-10 has no floor-loading capability for loose cargo.
Key Sections of DD Form 2130-7
Similar to other forms in the DD 2130 series, DD Form 2130-7 is a two-page document (front and back) that includes:
- Header Information – Unit being airlifted, Unit Identification Code (UIC), type of movement plan, movement date, unit aircraft load number, mission number, aircraft serial number, configuration, departure and destination airfields
- Actual Loadout Diagram – Scale drawing (1/4 inch = 3 feet) showing pallet positions for the 23-pallet layout
- Load Sequence Columns – Item model/nomenclature, Transportation Control Number (TCN), vehicle/package/serial numbers, remarks codes, dimensional data (length, width, height), planned and actual load data (gross weight, fuselage station, moment)
- Passenger Seats Planning Data – Number of seats, average weight, and total planned weight
- Totals and Center of Balance Calculations
- Certification Blocks – Load Planned By and Load Approved By (with typed/printed name, grade, organization, date, and signature)
- Remarks Codes – Standardized codes for off-center loads, centerline loads, shoring requirements, special handling, hazardous materials, fuel restrictions, and vent kits
How to Complete DD Form 2130-7?
Load planners must be certified through approved Air Mobility Command (AMC) or Service-specific airlift planning courses. Accurate completion is critical for flight safety.
General steps include:
- Fill in administrative header data (blocks 1–10).
- Plot the cargo arrangement on the aircraft diagram using the scale provided.
- List each item in load sequence order with complete identification, dimensions, and weight data.
- Calculate planned and actual moments and center-of-balance stations.
- Complete passenger data if applicable.
- Apply appropriate remarks codes.
- Obtain signatures from the certified load planner and the load plan validator.
Always cross-reference the latest aircraft technical orders (T.O. 1C-10(K)A-9 Cargo Loading Manual) and DTR Part III Appendix V for current planning factors, maximum axle loads, and pallet height/weight limits by position.
Importance in U.S. Military Airlift Operations
Accurate load planning using DD Form 2130-7 ensures:
- Compliance with aircraft structural and weight-and-balance limitations
- Safe and efficient loading/unloading sequences
- Proper documentation for joint mobility operations
- Traceability and accountability of cargo during deployments, exercises, and contingency missions
Even as the KC-10 fleet has undergone retirement in recent years, the form continues to appear in official USTRANSCOM regulations as a valid planning tool for any remaining or historical reference operations involving the 23-pallet configuration.
Download DD Form 2130-7
The official, current version of the form is available free of charge from the Department of Defense Forms Management website:
For best results, download the file and open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader to ensure full fillable functionality.
Related Forms and Official Resources
- Official DD 2130-7 Form Information Page (DoD)
- DD Form 2130-6 – KC-10A Load Plan (17 Pallets Configuration)
- Defense Transportation Regulation (DTR) 4500.9-R, Part III, Appendix V – Preparation and Use of DD Form 2130 Series
- AFMAN 11-2KC-10V3 and Addenda-A – KC-10 Operations Procedures and Aircraft Configuration
Always verify the most current edition and any superseding guidance through official DoD or USTRANSCOM channels, as regulations are periodically updated.
Conclusion
DD Form 2130-7 remains the standardized tool for documenting KC-10A cargo loads in the 23-pallet configuration. Proper use of this form supports mission success, aircraft safety, and regulatory compliance across U.S. military air mobility operations. Download the official form today and consult the latest DTR and Air Force manuals for accurate planning.