"A Drone Has Never Linked Up With a Tanker Until Now" - War is Boring

[dimsum]

On April 15 over the Chesapeake Bay, a U.S. Navy drone linked up with an aerial tanker. It’s the first time a drone has ever done that — and it’s a pretty big deal.

The historic milestone is the Navy’s latest step toward total unmanned aviation — a move that could eventually spell the end of naval aviators in the cockpits of their fighters.

During the test flight, the pilotless Northrop Grumman X-47B aircraft connected with an Omega Aerial Refueling Services K-707 tanker. The unmanned drone did not receive any fuel during the experimental flight.

https://medium.com/war-is-boring/a-drone-has-never-linked-up-with-a-tanker-until-now-9453016469c5

I can also see the tankers themselves being one of the first airframes that are remotely-piloted, since they usually fly racetracks far away from threats.

 

[Baz]

I thought the Global Hawk had already done it, but on further research they only flew in formation and deployed the hose.

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/status_reports/global_hawk_status_10_05_12.html

 

[Ralph]

Call me when they can rearm in flight...

 

[Oldgateboatdriver]

Actually, we'll call you when a fighter plane with a pilot can rearm in flight first

 

[George Wallace]

Actually, we'll call you when a fighter plane with a pilot can rearm in flight first

:goodpost:


;D