N148ZA1967 Vickers VC10 K.3

Overview

This airframe, registration N148ZA, is a Vickers-built transport recorded as Vickers VC10 K.3 (Super VC10 Series 1154), constructed in 1967 with manufacturer serial 883. The aircraft is owned by Aerovision LLC, a corporation based in West Palm Beach, FL, US, and carries a United States registration. The airframe has a documented history of role conversion and disposition, noted as converted/tanker and museum/parts status, reflecting an operational lifecycle that moved from civil transport layouts toward specialized tanker configuration and eventual use for parts or preservation. Registry and ownership entries emphasize its transition from an original civil passenger configuration to specialized roles under corporate ownership.

Operations & Cabin

The cabin for this specific airframe was originally adaptable across varied civil layouts (typical civil ~151 pax) but was subsequently converted/tanker and museum/parts status, indicating that the passenger interior was modified or removed for tanker duties and later cannibalized or preserved. Based at the owner’s location in West Palm Beach, FL, US, the aircraft’s mission profile in its converted state centered on tanker and support roles rather than routine passenger schedules; typical cruise performance of 480 kts and a range of 5,080 nm informed feasible routing and endurance considerations during operational service. Maintenance considerations for this airframe reflect its multi-role history and eventual parts/museum disposition, with airframe condition and component provenance central to any continued operation or restoration.

Model & Market Context

As a Vickers VC10 K.3 (Super VC10 Series 1154) airframe powered by four Rolls-Royce Conway engines producing 22,500 lbf each, its documented performance figures (range 5,080 nm, cruise 480 kts, ceiling 43,000 ft) define its technical envelope within the supplied data. The aircraft’s conversion from civil seating of approximately 151 to tanker configuration and later museum/parts status highlights resale and maintenance pathways that prioritize role-specific systems and legacy component availability. Ownership by Aerovision LLC and the aircraft’s registrational history underscore market considerations tied to specialized operation, preservation, and parts recovery rather than conventional passenger resale.