02-04-2025
Will Forbes get the Air Force's new refueling tanker? Here's what we know
A massive new tanker is revitalizing the Air Force's refueling fleet, and a site survey team pondering whether to choose Topeka to house some of those planes is expected to visit Forbes Field Air National Guard Base in early April.
The visit is a "crucial step" in identifying the Air Force's next home for newly built KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers, the Forbes-based 190th Air Refueling Wing of the Kansas Air National Guard said in a news release.
The Air Force revealed in October that Forbes was among seven bases being considered to house eight of the tankers beginning in 2031, with bases in New Hampshire, New Jersey and Michigan having already been chosen for that distinction.
A final decision is expected in the fall of 2025, the news release said.
The Air Force, through its KC-X tanker competition, chose the Boeing-produced Pegasus in 2011 to replace its KC-135 Stratotankers, which have been in service in 1957.
In Greek mythology, Pegasus is a winged horse, usually depicted as a white stallion.
The Pegasus will bring increased cargo capacity and improved refueling, protection and flight distance capabilities, according to the Air Force.
Boeing is modeling the aircraft on its 767 jet airliners, the Air Force said, adding that it received its first delivery in 2019 and plans to have 179 Pegasus aircraft by 2027 on a contract valued at roughly $35 billion.
"The KC-46 brings more capability than just fuel to aerial warfare," said Col. Kent Crane, commander of the 190th. "This is critical for our airmen and aircrew who would be fighting in potential future conflicts."
Unlike many existing tankers, the Pegasus can also receive fuel, the Boeing website says.
"The KC-46A delivers more fuel at all ranges and from shorter runways than the KC-135 aircraft it's replacing — while utilizing less ramp space than competing tankers — ensuring mission reach from forward and austere airfields," it says.
Forbes's location in the geographic center of the nation is among reasons the 190th says it should be chosen to house the Pegasus.
Other reasons it cites include the 190th's existing infrastructure, growth potential, cost-effective operations and strong partnerships.
"It's always exciting getting to showcase the 190th, especially the members of the 190th because they're so adaptable, they're innovative, and they excel at everything they do," said Col. Marjorie Durkes, the 190th's deputy commander. "It's so exciting to showcase not only the 190th but the Topeka community and how we've all come together around this."
Forbes' selection would significantly benefit the 190th and the Topeka community, according to the 190th's news release.
"The increased mission scope would strengthen existing relationships, create new opportunities for collaboration, and enhance the economic and strategic impact of the 190th ARW within the region," it said.
The site survey team visiting Topeka in early April consists of members from the National Guard Bureau and active duty Air Force, according to the 190th's news release.
It said Forbes is competing for the distinction of housing the Pegasus with six other locations.
They are as follows:
Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama.
Bangor Air National Guard Base in Maine.
Key Field Air National Guard Base in Meridian, Mississippi.
McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio.
Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.
Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@ or 785-213-5934.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Team to decide if Forbes will be home to new USAF refueling tanker
