McConnell AFB preps for new tanker with demolition, construction

(TNS) Those loud booming noises that have been coming from McConnell Air Force Base recently are signs of progress.

Crews have been tearing down an old hangar to make way for construction of a three-bay hangar for the new KC-46 refueling tanker.

Demolition of all sorts of existing McConnell structures has been in full force for several months so that more than 350 tons of steel can be brought in over the next two-plus years to build stuff. That, in turn, means a significant boost to the local economy.

One piece of equipment uses a large pincer to rip out huge steel beams from the old hangar.

That pincer pretty much makes those beams look like toothpicks when they cut it, said Ben Davis, project manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is overseeing the construction.

The first of the 36 aircraft targeted for McConnell are supposed to arrive in early 2016.

Construction contractors have their own deadlines to build three hangars to accommodate the KC-46 tankers, which are larger than the KC-135s they are replacing.

Two hangars a one-bay and a two-bay are scheduled to be finished by the end of 2015; the three-bay is set to be done by March 2017.

Things are on schedule, said Neal Ridgeway, project manager for Archer Western Aviation Partners, a joint venture of three companies from Chicago, St. Louis and Oklahoma City that serves as the general contractor for the new hangars. Were pleased with the progress so far.

Demolition of an old four-bay hangar known as Building 1106, where the three-bay hangar will be built should be completed in January.

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McConnell AFB preps for new tanker with demolition, construction