Introduction

The USAF, after halting the program for a next-generation in-flight refueling vehicle, is revisiting its decisions and has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a future NGAS (Next Generation Air-refueling System).

Problems with NGAS

The NGAS program had suffered a substantial setback due to the issues that arose, in fact related to advanced technologies, required timelines, and associated costs.

The aircraft, in its original form, was to have advanced stealth features to accompany the F-35 fighter bombers and the new F-47 targets, a sophisticated protection system, in addition to adopting a new concept fueling system; current tankers fly well beyond the range of enemy air defenses, in safe areas.

Tight Deadlines and Negative Industry Response

However, the tight timeframes set by the USAF and the negative responses from the industry led to the temporary halt of the program which, given the extreme age of the KC-135 Stratotanker and the unresolved problems of the KC-46A, compel the US Air Force, however, to plan the replacement of the current tanker line with some speed.

New Request

Herein lies the new classified request to industry issued in mid-August, with the deadline for transmitting responses by the last week of October; while still classified, it is likely that the USAF waives the extreme characteristics envisaged by the first RFI to receive more feasible proposals, including those for a remotely piloted airborne refueling system along the lines of the US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray program.

Image credit @Lockheed Martin