Unmanned Gas Refueling Aircraft Proposal by Skunk Works Resurfaces in Focus
Headline: Skunk Works' Stealthy, Autonomous NGAS Tanker Concept Stirs Interest
Informal Take: An innovative concept from Lockheed Martin's secretive Skunk Works division, featuring an unmanned, stealthy tanker airframe, has been turning heads lately at industry events. Akin to a futuristic, next-gen gas station in the sky, thisso-called NGAS (Next-Generation Aerial-refueling System) could potentially revolutionize aerial warfare.
The Sketchy Design: The artistic rendering displayed at the Airlift/Tanker Association meeting in Texas shows a flattened design with conventional refueling booms, streams of air, and a single engine, though the intake and exhaust details are somewhat hidden. The plane boasts two outward-canted stabilizers and a central, teeth-like exhaust.
Equipping the Skies: The design concept envisions an autonomous aircraft refueling not one but two Lockheed F-35s, suggesting it could keep combat-ready airships in the sky for longer missions. Although it bears some resemblance to traditional tankers like the KC-46 and KC-135, the potential stealth capabilities of the NGAS allow it to slip under the radar — literally.
Rising from the Ashes? The notion of a "bridge tanker" has been suggested as a possible solution to keep older tankers in production until the NGAS becomes available. With the Air Force's Analysis of Alternatives (AOA) wrapping up by the end of 2024, the future of this stealthy tanker may soon be clearer.
Will it Take Flight? Despite the intrigue, doubts linger about the NGAS. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has hinted at financing challenges, stating that the service cannot afford to juggle the development of the NGAS, NGAD fighters, and autonomous wingman drones simultaneously. Some experts speculate that a modest funding increase might not suffice to cover the Air Force's modernization needs.
Beneath the Surface: Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division has a robust history of pioneering advanced military aviation technologies and demonstrating system interoperability capabilities[1]. The company's focus on open systems architecture suggests the potential for future innovations in aerial refueling systems, though specific details about the NGAS are scarce[2]. So, stay tuned for more developments in the skies above!
[1] Lockheed Martin's F-35 Demonstrates Interoperability Capabilities[2] Lockheed Martin Involved in Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Program[3] Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works Working on Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Prototypes[4] Near-Term Tanker Requirements: The Need for a Bridge Tanker[5] Lockheed Martin's NGAD Focus: Interoperability and Open Systems Architecture[6] F-35 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA): partners in the skies of tomorrow?
- The autonomous, stealthy NGAS tanker concept from Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division, intended to revolutionize aerial warfare, bears a resemblance to traditional tankers like the KC-46 and KC-135, but boasts potential stealth capabilities that allow it to elude detection.
- While the NGAS could potentially refuel multiple aircraft, including Lockheed's F-35s, doubts linger about its viability due to potential financing challenges and the Air Force's limited resources.
- The Air Force's Analysis of Alternatives (AOA) is nearing completion by the end of 2024, which may provide clarity on the future of the NGAS and other modernization initiatives.
- Experts speculate that a modest funding increase may not be enough to cover the Air Force's modernization needs, including the development of the NGAS, NGAD fighters, and autonomous wingman drones.
- Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division, known for advancing military aviation technologies and demonstrating system interoperability capabilities, is likely to continue innovating in the field of aerial refueling systems.
- With its focus on open systems architecture, Lockheed Martin's NGAS may pave the way for future collaborations and technological advancements within the aerospace and military industries, particularly in the realm of air force and defense.
