During tests in 2013, the Calspan Learjet 25 fitted with a refueling probe and with X-47B's avionics, autonomously connected with a KC-707 tanker as if it were refueling operationally.

Alternatively, probe-drogue refueling (PDR) involves coupling a probe on a receiver aircraft with a probe receptacle (drogue) attached to a flexible, fuel hose from the tanker aircraft. PDR requires ...

The pole in question is a refueling probe that enables the helicopter to top off its fuel from a tanker without landing. Read more: 10 Of The Strangest Military Helicopters Ever Made.

DARPA), in a joint effort with NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, performed the first-ever autonomous probe-and-drogue airborne refueling operation on August 30, ...

This means that the YU-20 likely has a three-point refueling system - two probe-and-drogue refueling pods under the wings and one hose-and-drogue installed at the tail, analysts said.

Whenever a plane or helicopter needs some extra juice to keep flying, it hovers up behind the KC-135 where a boom operator will move the refueling probe into position to refuel. Fueling up for decades ...