The Skunk Works division of the American corporation Lockheed Martin presented an image of a promising refueling aircraft built on the principle of low visibility, and designated for the NGAS program. This is reported by The Aviationist.
In the future, such an aircraft is expected to replace the well-known Boeing KC-46 and Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker tankers. The promising stealth looks smaller than its predecessors.
The concept received two air intakes and a V-shaped tail. The crew should include two pilots. The refueling boom is attached to the lower part of the aircraft's fuselage.
The image shows the refueling process of the fifth-generation F-35 fighter, which is also inconspicuous. According to experts, such a connection will allow the US Air Force to operate more freely over enemy territory, because it will be even more difficult to detect their planes.
The US is creating new stealth< /p>
One of the most ambitious programs in this direction was the new American bomber B-21 Raider, which acts as a reduced and cheaper analogue of another inconspicuous aircraft – B-2 Spirit.
Like its predecessor, it is subsonic and built according to the “flying wing” aerodynamic scheme. The Raider made its first flight on November 10, 2023. In total, the United States wants to build about 100 such aircraft.
In addition, the United States is actively working on the creation of stealth fighters of the sixth generation, although so far the fate of the “naval” of the aircraft remains largely undefined.