{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Airport",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry": "United States of America",
    "addressLocality": "Rapid City"
  },
  "airlines": [
    "United States Air Force"
  ],
  "amenityFeature": [
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "45 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to International Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to International Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Interline Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    }
  ],
  "city": "Rapid City",
  "code": "RCA",
  "connection_tips": "Ellsworth Air Force Base (RCA) is a high-security strategic installation of the United States Air Force, located just outside Rapid City, South Dakota. Any civilian or non-resident military visitors must possess explicit prior authorization from the base command and the 28th Bomb Wing before attempting to land or access the site. The climate in South Dakota is characterized by extreme temperature variations, with scorching summers and brutally cold, snowy winters; high winds across the Great Plains are a frequent operational factor for the heavy bombers based here. The base's historic role during the Cold War is commemorated at the nearby South Dakota Air and Space Museum, which is accessible to the public and well worth a visit.\n\nIt is famously one of the two bases that host the B-1B Lancer strategic bomber and is the future home of the B-21 Raider. The base is located approximately 10 miles northeast of Rapid City, which serves as the gateway to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. For all commercial travelers, Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the primary gateway, located about 15 miles to the south.\n\nAs a strictly restricted military facility, it does not offer any commercial passenger terminal amenities; you will find no duty-free shops, public coffee bars, or retail services within the base perimeter. Ground transportation is strictly a matter of pre-arrangement through official channels or authorized military transport. Always ensure your credentials and security clearances are fully confirmed before arrival, as the base perimeter is a heavily guarded military zone with strict entry and exit protocols.",
  "country": "United States of America",
  "flag_url": "https://flagcdn.com/w320/us.png",
  "flight_search_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=USD",
  "frequent_traveler_tip": [
    "Ensure proper clearance before traveling to the base.",
    "Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.",
    "Allow extra time during peak travel periods at this airport.",
    "Keep important documents easily accessible at this airport.",
    "Download your airline's mobile app for updates at this airport."
  ],
  "global_map_link": "https://www.google.com/maps?q=Ellsworth+Air+Force+Base",
  "google_maps_reviews": {
    "rating": 0.0,
    "recent_reviews": [],
    "total_reviews": 0
  },
  "hotel_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=USD",
  "iataCode": "RCA",
  "icao": "KRCA",
  "international": false,
  "last_modified": "June 2026",
  "last_updated": "2026-03-29",
  "latitude": 44.145,
  "layover_planner_info": "Not open to civilian layovers; use Rapid City Regional Airport for connections.",
  "longitude": -103.103996,
  "mct_domestic_to_domestic": 45,
  "mct_domestic_to_international": 90,
  "mct_interline": 120,
  "mct_international_to_domestic": 90,
  "mct_international_to_international": 120,
  "missed_connection_help": "Not applicable for civilian travelers.",
  "name": "Ellsworth Air Force Base",
  "region": "North America",
  "related_airports": [
    {
      "code": "ATL",
      "name": "Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport"
    },
    {
      "code": "SPF",
      "name": "Black Hills Airport-Clyde Ice Field"
    }
  ],
  "terminal_info": "Ellsworth Air Force Base (RCA/KRCA) operates as a strategic United States Air Force installation serving as home to the 28th Bomb Wing and B-1B Lancer strategic bombers, positioned 10 miles northeast of Rapid City, South Dakota, where this high-security military facility plays a crucial role in America's national defense strategy. The base serves as one of only two installations hosting the B-1B bomber fleet and is designated as the future home of the advanced B-21 Raider stealth bomber, representing the cutting edge of American strategic aviation capabilities.\n\nTerminal facilities comprise specialized military aviation infrastructure designed exclusively for United States Air Force operations, featuring secure aircraft maintenance hangars, strategic bomber support systems, military passenger processing areas, and comprehensive operational support facilities appropriate for one of America's most important strategic bomber installations. The facility maintains the highest levels of security and operational readiness required for strategic military operations.\n\nOperational characteristics focus exclusively on military aviation activities including strategic bomber operations, pilot training programs, military transport operations, and specialized defense missions that support America's national security objectives and NATO alliance commitments. The base maintains round-the-clock readiness for strategic missions while serving as a crucial component of America's nuclear deterrence strategy and conventional long-range strike capabilities.\n\nStrategic importance encompasses the base's vital role in American and global security, serving as a cornerstone of strategic deterrence while supporting military operations worldwide through its advanced bomber capabilities and highly trained personnel. The facility contributes significantly to regional economic development through military personnel, civilian employment, and defense contractor activities while maintaining its crucial mission of defending American interests and supporting allied operations around the globe.",
  "terminal_map_url": "https://skyvector.com/airport/KRCA/Ellsworth-AFB"
}