In a first, drone refuels U.S. Navy fighter jet in midair
By Mike Glenn - The Washington Times
Monday, June 7, 2021
An aircraft called the MQ-25 Stingray rolled down the strip at MidAmerica Airport on the outskirts of St. Louis on June 4 before lifting into the sky. It was quickly followed by a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet jet fighter.
They met at about 10,000 feet. The Navy test pilots in the Super Hornet wanted to ensure there were no problems with the Stingray before they got too close.
After all, the Stingray is a drone and its “pilot” was still on the ground.
After an initial dry test run, the Super Hornet extended a fuel probe and inched closer to the Stingray until both aircraft made contact. About 300 pounds of fuel were transferred from one to the other.
“This historic flight was the first time any aircraft received fuel from an unmanned aerial vehicle,” Navy Capt. Chad Reed told reporters on Monday.
https://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/jun/7/drone-refuels-us-navy-fighter-jet-midair/
