MC-12W to be possibly based at Altus AFB Published April 26, 2010 ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Altus AFB is one of six bases being considered as the new home of MC-12W aircraft, according to a news release sent out by Air Force officials April 23. "The 97th Air Mobility Wing is proud to be one of six bases on the recently announced final list to be considered for basing of the new MC-12W aircraft," said 97 AMW Commander Col. Ty Thomas. "We look forward to working over the next year with our higher headquarters to show how Altus Air Force Base has the facilities, ramp capacity, and airspace to result in a successful bed down of this important asset." The MC-12 is a medium- to low-altitude, twin-engine turboprop aircraft. Its primary mission is providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, support directly to ground forces. The aircraft is the military version of the Hawker Beechcraft Super King Air 350 and Super King 350ER. The candidate bases were selected using previously announced basing criteria. Specific numbers of aircraft and personnel expected to be potentially based at Altus AFB remain to be determined. A site survey team from Headquarters Air Combat Command will be scheduled to visit the 97 AMW within the next few months. They will perform a detailed assessment of the suitability of Altus AFB to host MC-12W operations as a permanent operating base. A final decision is expected to be made by the Air Force in the spring of 2011. For more information, go to www.af.mil or contact the 97 AMW Public Affairs office at (580) 481-7700.