News Articles

[reb]

From online AFCEA International's SIGNAL Connection 15 July 2010:

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is exploring the concept of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) refueling another in midair. The agency has awarded a $33 million contract to Northrop Grumman to demonstrate aerial refueling of a NASA Global Hawk UAV by a sister ship. The program, designated KQ-X, will utilize two high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) UAVs in a completely autonomous engagement. One aircraft will pump fuel into the other in flight through a hose-and-drogue refueling system. The demonstration will take place at a much higher altitude than previously demonstrated with manned aircraft, and it will represent the first time HALE UAVs have flown in formation.

Impressive:

• Completely autonomous
• Much higher altitude than previously demonstrated with manned aircraft

- reb