In recent years, the US military has been continuously exploring advancements in tanker development and refueling method improvements. This includes enabling helicopters to serve as tankers, converting certain aircraft from boom to probe-and-drogue refueling, and conducting test flights of unmanned tankers. So, what adjustments are being made to the US military's aerial refueling system? Military analyst Zhang Xuefeng provided an analysis and interpretation.
Helicopters as Tankers?
Host: According to US media reports, the US military is planning to add refueling capabilities to the MH-47G transport helicopter. What are the advantages and challenges of using helicopters to refuel other aircraft?
Zhang Xuefeng: The MH-47G helicopter is specifically designed for US special operations forces. It can fly at ultra-low altitudes, is equipped with advanced terrain-following radar and night vision gear, and can assist in establishing so-called forward arming and refueling points. These are at simple ground airstrips in deep enemy territory to provide ammunition and fuel to other aircraft.
Currently, the mainstay of US aerial refueling is large fixed-wing aircraft like the KC-135 and KC-46. These planes fly relatively fast, making it difficult to refuel slower helicopters. The platforms the US military uses for helicopter aerial refueling are primarily tankers modified from the C-130 or aircraft performing special operations missions.
Generally, helicopters are not ideal for use as aerial tankers, mainly due to their limited payload capacity. However, the MH-47G has a large takeoff weight and can theoretically lift an un-fueled Black Hawk helicopter. It can also fly at extremely low altitudes, reducing the probability of detection by adversaries.
Adding refueling capability to the MH-47G is not overly difficult overall. However, if a probe-and-drogue (hose) system is used, the hose might be affected by the rotor downwash, potentially causing flight instability.
Switching from Boom to Probe-and-Drogue Refueling?
Host: For many years, the US Air Force has primarily used the boom refueling method. But now, some aircraft may switch to probe-and-drogue refueling. For instance, the US military's A-10 attack aircraft recently completed probe-and-drogue refueling connection tests with a C-130 tanker. The A-10 originally used boom refueling. What is the reason for conducting these probe-and-drogue refueling tests now?
Zhang Xuefeng: The A-10 attack aircraft is mainly used for ground fire support. Testing probe-and-drogue refueling for it is primarily based on considerations for specific combat scenarios. For example, during a recent US operation to rescue an F-15E pilot in Iran, the US military sent helicopters into hostile airspace for the rescue, with A-10s providing fire suppression.
During such an operation, if the US military needed to refuel the helicopters mid-air, it would primarily rely on C-130 series aircraft, which use the probe-and-drogue refueling method. If the A-10 could also use probe-and-drogue refueling, then refueling could be unified under C-130 series aircraft, reducing the number of support aircraft types required.
However, in other combat missions, the A-10 might still use the boom refueling method. Probe-and-drogue refueling would be reserved for special missions. The A-10 can be modified to switch between probe-and-drogue and boom aerial refueling methods.
What is the Future for Unmanned Tankers?
Host: The US Navy's production model MQ-25A Stingray unmanned tanker conducted its first flight this April. In the future, it will be able to take off from aircraft carriers, refuel combat aircraft, and then return to the carrier for resupply. What impact will the addition of the MQ-25A unmanned tanker have on the development of the US military's maritime combat system?
Zhang Xuefeng: Currently, the US Navy primarily uses F/A-18E/F fighter jets for buddy aerial refueling of other fighters. The advantage of this method is the multi-role capability of a single aircraft. For instance, the F/A-18E/F can perform aerial refueling, engage in air combat, and strike ground and sea targets.
However, using such expensive fighters extensively for aerial refueling missions reduces the number of sorties available for air combat. The optimized MQ-25A has the following characteristics.
Firstly, it has relatively high cruise efficiency and a long range. Its takeoff weight and airframe size are smaller than the F/A-18E/F, yet its aerial refueling capability is increased, not decreased.
Secondly, the MQ-25A is unmanned, reducing personnel support requirements. More importantly, the MQ-25A has stealth capabilities, enhancing its survivability in the air.
Considering the various actions the US military has taken in the aerial refueling domain in recent years, it is evident that its aerial refueling system is undergoing adjustments in three main areas. The first is improving the survivability of tankers. The second is conducting distributed aerial refueling through the development of smaller tankers. The third is equipping different refueling methods for different combat scenarios.
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