An unmanned aerial vehicle has refueled in flight for the first time, according to Northrop Grumman, which conducted the demonstration with the U.S. Navy on April 22.
The test featured the X-47B, which in 2013 became the first UAV to autonomously launch from and return to an aircraft carrier. According to Northrop, these demonstrations mark a major step forward in autonomy for UAVs that also has implications for piloted aircraft.
Autonomous aerial refueling (AAR) "testing with the X-47B helps solidify the concept that future unmanned aircraft can perform standard missions like aerial refueling and operate seamlessly with manned aircraft as part of the Carrier Air Wing," said CAPT Beau Duarte, the Navy's Unmanned Carrier Aviation program manager.
The X-47B performed a close formation flight rendezvous with an Omega K-707 tanker, maneuvering into position and refueling. Once the refueling was complete, the UAV autonomously disengaged and flew away from the tanker.
"We are very pleased with the outcome of this first round of probe and drogue flights with the X-47B," said Pablo Gonzalez, UCAS-D program manager at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "The AAR system and X-47B both performed as expected. While we would certainly benefit from additional probe and drogue flight testing, we have reached a tipping point at which AAR is now feasible."
