United States plans to convert KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft into a drone

14 February, 2024 KC-135 Stratotanker refueling an F-16. Photo credits: Zachary Rufus Merlin, a company that specializes in aircraft automation systems and converts them into drones, has been awarded a contract by the United States Air Force to convert a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft into a drone.

The company announced this on its website. It is reported that the contract was concluded with the participation of the Air Mobility Command (AMC) and the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC). Within the contract's framework, the plan is to develop and gradually implement the Merlin Pilot system elements on the KC-135.

The transformation of the manned aircraft will be carried out in stages: first, the plan is to reduce the crew and its workload, then, as confidence in the system grows, the KC-135 will be able to perform tasks autonomously without human intervention.

KC-135 Stratotanker. Photo from open sources

"We are proud to continue our work with the USAF as they expand safe, reduced crew options for their aircraft to advance and scale for future operational needs," the company stated. Merlin's agreement with the U.S.

Air Force came after completing ground research, in-flight data collection, human factors studies, and initial integration projects with the goal of conducting a Merlin Pilot flight demonstration next year. A series of joint flight demonstrations between the US Air Force and Merlin will include basic aerial refueling operations. In addition, the program should help develop the Next Generation Air-Refueling System (NGAS).

In December 2023, Militarnyi reported on the use of the C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft as refueling aircraft.

Refueling KC-10 Extender with C-5M Super Galaxy. Photo: Master Sgt. Tracy Keller

On December 12, 2023, the crew of the 22nd Aviation Squadron successfully completed the task of refueling the KC-10 Extender refueling aircraft from the C-5M Super Galaxy by reverse refueling.

During the operation, 10.6 tons of fuel were pumped onboard the KC-10.

The concept of reverse refueling with military transport aircraft is designed to maintain readiness in critical scenarios.

In addition, potential losses of refueling aircraft are prevented, and the efficiency of their use is increased.