// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Aerial Refueling
Aerial refueling is the process of transferring fuel from one aircraft, called a tanker, to another aircraft while both are in flight. This allows the receiving aircraft to stay in the air longer and travel farther without needing to land.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Aerial refueling, also known as air-to-air refueling (AAR), is a military force multiplier technique where a tanker aircraft transfers aviation fuel to a receiver aircraft mid-flight using either a flying boom or probe-and-drogue system. This capability extends the operational range, endurance, and payload capacity of strategic bombers, fighters, and transport aircraft for missions requiring global reach or persistent loitering.
BACKGROUND
Omega Aerial Refueling Services Incorporated is an American aviation company that provides aerial refueling services for military customers.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- air-to-air refueling
- AAR
- in-flight refueling
- IFR
- tanking
- buddy refueling
- air refueling
USAGE NOTE
This capability is considered a cornerstone of modern air power, enabling global projection and sustained combat operations far from friendly bases.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Aerial Refueling.
Developer of the KC-46 Pegasus tanker for the U.S. Air Force, which features a modernized fly-by-wire refueling boom and advanced mission systems. They are also developing autonomous refueling capabilities.
Manufacturer of the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), used by numerous air forces globally. Airbus is a pioneer in developing and certifying automatic air-to-air refueling (A3R) systems.
Prime contractor for the U.S. Navy's MQ-25 Stingray, the first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft dedicated to aerial refueling, designed to extend the combat range of fighter jets.
Develops and integrates aerial refueling systems for its aircraft like the F-35. The company is also offering the LMXT, a strategic tanker based on the Airbus A330 MRTT, for U.S. Air Force contracts.
Following its acquisition of Cobham Mission Systems, Eaton is a leading designer and manufacturer of critical aerial refueling equipment, including wing-mounted refueling pods, fuselage refuelling units, probes, and drogues.
Specializes in converting passenger and cargo aircraft into multi-mission tankers. Their Bedek Aviation Group has developed numerous tanker conversion programs for aircraft like the Boeing 767.
Develops and manufactures aerial refueling systems, including probe and drogue equipment for its Gripen fighter, enabling buddy-buddy refueling missions where one fighter can refuel another.