OCTOBER 3, 2024 – The Department of the Air Force has selected seven bases as candidate locations to host the KC-46A Pegasus Main Operating Base 7.
A final basing decision for the location of the ANG’s KC-46A MOB 7 is expected in 2027.
One base will be selected to host the new mission pending a final basing decision, and the outcome of a planned environmental impact analysis anticipated no later than 2027.
The first of eight aircraft are scheduled to arrive in 2031.
Candidate locations are:
- Bangor Air National Guard Base, Maine
- Forbes Field Air National Guard Base (Topeka), Kan.
- Key Field Air National Guard Base (Meridian), Miss.
- McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base (Knoxville), Tenn.
- Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio
- Scott Air Force Base, Ill.
- Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base (Birmingham), Ala.
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.
Mission
The KC-46A is the first phase in recapitalizing the U.S. Air Force’s aging tanker fleet. With greater refueling, cargo and aeromedical evacuation capabilities compared to the KC-135, the KC-46A will provide aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and partner-nation receivers.
Features
At full operational capability, the KC-46A will be able to refuel most fixed-wing, receiver-capable aircraft. The KC-46A is equipped with a refueling boom driven by a fly-by-wire control system, and is capable of fuel offload rates required for large aircraft. Its hose and drogue system adds additional mission capability that is independently operable from the refueling boom system.
The aircraft’s fuel can be pumped through the boom, drogue and wing aerial refueling pods. All KC-46As are capable of being configured with WARPs, and when equipped, the aircraft is capable of multi-point simultaneous aerial refueling. The Boom Operator controls the boom, centerline drogue and WARPs during refueling operations. The Air Refueling Operator station includes panoramic displays giving the ARO wing-tip to wing-tip situational awareness.
The KC-46A can accommodate a mixed load of passengers, aeromedical evacuation and cargo capabilities. Two high-bypass turbofans power the KC-46A to takeoff at gross weights up to 415,000 pounds. Depending on fuel storage configuration, the aircraft can carry a palletized load of up to 65,000 pounds of cargo. The KC-46A can carry up to 18 463L cargo pallets. Seat tracks and the onboard cargo handling system make it possible to simultaneously carry palletized cargo and passenger seats in a variety of combinations. The KC-46A is also equipped with a number of self-protection, defensive and communication features making it more survivable in a contested environment.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs