Topeka may base the aircraft replacing the iconic Stratotanker

TOPEKA, Kan. ( KSNT ) – The U.S. Air Force (USAF) announced that it has selected seven bases, including Forbes Field, as potential candidate locations for the newest aerial refueling aircraft.

The USAF announced on Oct. 3 that Topeka’s Forbes Field Air National Guard base was one of seven bases selected as a possible candidate to host the KC-46A Pegasus , an aircraft that will replace the KC-135 Stratotanker, which has served the Air Force for over 60 years .

The Air Force anticipates making the decision to locate the KC-46A in 2027, and the first of eight planes will arrive by 2031.

“KC-46s will replace KC-135 Stratotankers at the final decision location and bring enhanced capabilities, such as boom and drogue refueling on the same sortie, worldwide navigation and communication, cargo capacity on the entire main deck floor, receiver air refueling, improved force protection, and multi-point air refueling capability.”

USAF press excerpt

The KC-46A can refuel most fixed-wing, receiver-capable airplanes mid-flight, according to the USAF. The aircraft have a variety of uses including refueling, passenger transport, medical evacuations and cargo-carrying capabilities. The aircraft can carry up to 65,000 pounds of cargo.

Candidate locations are:

• Forbes Field Air National Guard Base (Topeka), KS
• Bangor Air National Guard Base, ME
• Key Field Air National Guard Base (Meridian), MS
• McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base (Knoxville), TN
• Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, OH
• Scott Air Force Base, IL
• Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base (Birmingham), AL

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