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 ...

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, ...

Moog engineers designed and built a 54-ft track, probe cart, and controller to simulate the impact that a jetâ s probe and a tankerâ s drogue experience when coupling for refueling.

According to Aviation Week, U.S. engineers will soon demonstrate the first in-flight docking of two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) while continuing the development of an autonomous aerial ...

Aerial refueling is a standard operation, but a challenging and critical one, ... The US Navy is planning to have the probe-and-drogue refueling drone integrated into a carrier air wing by 2024.

Booms can pump gas faster, at around 6,000 pounds per minute, while a probe and drogue pumps at less than half that rate. (The most common American tanker, the KC-135 , can hold up to 200,000 ...