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Richard Klaus, a former USAF pilot, shared insights on the tanker competition involving the Boeing 747, DC-10, and L-1011. Testing at McChord Air Force Base showed the 747 was superior for dual-purpose use as both tanker and freighter.

Despite this, the contract went to the DC-10, which was slower to load, had shorter range, and less fuel offload capability, primarily due to its California manufacturing location, which influenced political decisions. The 747 prototype, N1352B, was later retired to The Museum of Flight in Seattle.