TOPEKA (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; an aircraft that has served the Air Force for over 60 years. The Air Force anticipates the decision to locate the KC-46A will be made in 2027 with the first of eight planes scheduled to arrive by 2031. 27 News gathers third video of wrong-way HWY 24 driver A Boeing KC-46A Pegasus takes off at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 25, 2018, during a system evaluation. This is the first time the KC-46A visited Japan. The flight is to support an initial evaluation by the USAF of the KC-46A's integrated mission system suite as well as its ability to conduct worldwide navigation, communication and operation. (Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Air Force. Photo by Yasuo Osakabe) "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 release 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. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.