May 12, 2019
This Boring Looking Plane Can Make an F-22 or F-35 Far Better. Here's How.
One word: range.
by Kris Osborn
For instance, the new tanker will have and improved ability to refuel aircraft via the probe and drogue while also using a boom and receptacle on a single mission. Essentially, the aircraft can conduct multiple refueling missions concurrently using a drogue, or refueling mechanism on the wings, and a more standard boom and receptacle system. The refueling boom can operate on a fly-by-wire control system, Air Force data says.
The first new, high-tech next-generation KC-46A aerial refueling tanker will be delivered to the service later this year, marking the beginning of a long-sought after effort to replace the current aging fleet and better enable attack and ISR missions around the globe, service officials say.
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/boring-looking-plane-can-make-f-22-or-f-35-far-better-heres-how-57147
