Unmanned aerial vehicle refueling accomplished
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Edited by Robert H. Williams
The Air Research Laboratory and Boeing’s Phantom Works have demonstrated that unmanned aerial vehicles can be refueled in the air. A KC-135R tanker from the New York Air National Guard and a specially equipped Learjet were used in the tests.
“This can enable a quicker response for time-critical targets and will reduce the need for forward staging refueling areas. Another benefit is increased in-theater military presence with fewer military assets,” said David Riley, Boeing’s automated aerial refueling program manager.
The unmanned aerial vehicle refueling exercise will continue this year. Next on the agenda will be tests involving Air Force UAVs.
Nearly a dozen other contractors participated in the program.
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