The RAF operates a number of Tristar aircraft in the transport role. The Tristar C2s are dedicated transport aircraft and can carry 265 passengers and 16 tonnes (35,000 lbs) of freight over ranges in excess of 4,000 miles. The other two variants, the K1 and the KC1, are dual role and capable of providing air-to-air refuelling from a pair of centerline fuselage hoses. The K1 can carry 204 passengers; however, the KC1 has a large freight door and can carry 20 cargo pallets, 196 passengers or a combination of mixed freight and passengers. The VC10 and Tristar fleets are based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

Powerplant: Three Rolls-Royce RB211-524B4 turbofans 50,000lb st.

Span: 164ft 6in (50.17m)

Length: 164ft 2.5in (50.09m)

Max Speed: 545mph (872km/h) at 30,000ft

Accommodation: up to 265 passengers

Recognition: Two engines in underwing nacelles and one engine mounted on top of the fuselage forward of the swept fin, with the jet efflux below the rudder through the tail cone. Circular wide-body fuselage with low-set wings at the midway point. Swept tailplane low set either side of the rear fuselage below the fin. Refuelling pods under the wings.