PETER LA FRANCHI / CANBERRA

Manufacturer also studies development options for "steerable" hose and drogue system

TEXT: Boeing is exploring the concept of a "strike tanker" to support unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) operations in hostile airspace and is working on a "steerable" hose and drogue refuelling system for naval UCAVs.

The concept is being examined as part of a contract awarded to Boeing by the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency earlier this year to develop concepts for next generation tankers beyond the US Air Force's planned Boeing KC-767 lease deal.

Boeing vice-president for tanker programmes Bob Gower says the one dynamic that will change the direction of future tanker development will be the question of how to refuel large numbers of UCAVs heading into hostile airspace. Studies include unmanned tankers operating with UCAVs to avoid manned tankers being shot down as they refuel UCAVs. Gower admits the concept of unmanned tankers is a long shot: "There is no significant research going on that I know of."

The steerable hose and drogue concept is being explored as part of Boeing's ongoing role in developing options for in-flight refuelling of unmanned combat air vehicles under contract to the US Air Force Research Laboratories (AFRL).

Boeing wants to demonstrate UCAV in-flight refuelling techniques using manned aircraft and advanced boom systems within two years. The company has received two AFRL contracts to explore a variety of concepts and is expecting a third award within a few months. Boeing is adapting the automatic landing system used on US Navy aircraft carriers to provide precision formation flying of tankers and UCAVs. Gower says work already completed indicates precision down to "4-8in [100-200mm] of variation" is possible.

"The capability to fly these things in formation is there. We are working on how you do disconnects for safety of flight issues in case there is an issue and you need to have a breakaway," says Gower.

He says Boeing is investing in steerable drogue technology with Smiths Aerospace to support refuelling of naval UCAVs. The aim is to "make the connection by flying the hose and drogue as opposed to flying the UCAV into the basket".

Source: Flight International