Skunk Works reveals future of air refuelling with NGAS tanker unveil
The Lockheed Corporation's Skunk Works design office has unveiled a visualisation of a next-generation flying tanker. The aircraft, emerging from the NGAS programme, is set to replace currently operated, older models and equip the American Air Force with entirely new capabilities. What is known about it?
Skunk Works is a hub of aviation innovation – the birthplace of ground-breaking designs such as the U-2, SR-71 Blackbird, F-22 Raptor, F-35, and RQ-170 Sentinel. On 13 May – through the Aviation Week service – Skunk Works revealed a visualisation of another potential milestone in aviation, namely, the future NGAS flying tanker.
The plane doesn't resemble the currently operated flying tankers, the C-46A Pegasus or the older KC-135 Stratotanker. From the graphic, shown alongside an F-35, it's apparent that the futuristic flying tanker is smaller than the machines it aims to replace, utilises a rigid boom (fuel pipe), and its crew comprises more than one person.
Contrary to earlier visualizations that suggested the use of blurred wings on the NGAS aircraft, the tanker shown in the new graphic has lambda-type wings (seen on drones such as the X-45 or RQ-180), which are air intakes for engines.
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NGAS – next-generation flying tanker
The NGAS (Next-Generation Air Refueling System) is an American programme constructing a next-generation flying tanker. It's designed to replace the current fleet of such aircraft (like the C-46A or KC-135) while offering the Air Force entirely new capabilities. It will play a role alongside aircraft such as the B-21 Raider or the future air superiority fighter developed under the NGAD programme.
The NGAS programme seeks to boost the capabilities of flying tankers radically. Currently, these aircraft are modifications of transport or passenger planes, making them easy to detect and destroy. This confines their operation to friendly, controlled airspace away from the enemy.
As a result of the NGAS programme, a flying tanker capable of operating in hostile environments, potentially close to the opposition, is to be developed. Features like stealth technology and self-defence capabilities, announced by programmes such as the Hard Kill Self-Protection Countermeasure System (HKSPCS), will contribute to this.
