Robins alternative for MC-12W program Published Aug. 6, 2010 By Wayne Crenshaw 78 ABW/PA ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The Air Force last week designated Beale Air Force Base, Calif. as the preferred location for the MC-12W. Robins, meanwhile, was designated one of two "reasonable alternative" locations for the aircraft. A final decision on the MC-12W basing is expected in the spring. Earlier this year, Air Force site survey teams evaluated several bases, including Robins, for "feasibility, cost, and timing to meet initial operational capability." As a result of those surveys, the range of reasonable alternatives was reduced to three bases: Beale, Robins, and Whiteman AFB, Mo. Beale was designated the preferred alternative "... given its access to training opportunities, synergy with existing Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance flying missions, and co-location with the Distributed Ground Station mission," said Kathleen Ferguson, deputy assistant secretary for installations. The MC-12W is a medium- to low-altitude, twin-engine turboprop aircraft. Its primary mission is providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support directly to ground forces.