U.S. Air Force breaks ground on KC-46A sustainment campus

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., Aug. 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force has broken ground on a new KC-46A Pegasus sustainment campus at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, the service announced Monday.

The future 158-acre site will be the new aerial refueling tanker's home for maintenance, repair and overhaul operations, the service said in a statement.

It is estimated the new facility will create more than 1,300 jobs for the state and local community.

The project brings a number of hangars, ramp infrastructure, software innovation labs and engine test facilities.

The CWG JV company will build the campus on Tinker's south side.

The land was bought by the Air Force, Oklahoma City and Oklahoma County.

The service paid $8 million, the city's share was $23.5 million and the county paid $12.5 million for the land, formerly owned by Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Co., the Air Force said.

The Pegasus is the first phase of a three-part effort to replace the Air Force's aging tanker fleet.

It can refuel any fixed-wing receiver capable aircraft.

The first Pegasus is slated to arrive at Tinker in 2018.