Lockheed Martin’s unmanned stealth tanker concept signals new era for US Air Force.

As reported by The War Zone on November 6, 2024, Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division has introduced a conceptual design for a stealthy, pilot-optional aerial refueling tanker. This design aligns with the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air-Refueling System (NGAS) plans, which are part of the broader Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) ecosystem aimed at addressing evolving operational needs as the Air Force refines requirements for a “system of systems.” However, budget constraints are challenging the fulfillment of modernization goals, including this new refueling capability.
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The NGAS is expected to include traditional tankers like the KC-46 and KC-135, with the possible addition of refueling drones to allow uncrewed tankers to operate closer to contested areas, reducing risk to human crews. (Picture source: Lockheed Martin Skunk Works)

The tanker concept features a swept-wing configuration with canted vertical stabilizers and stealth-enhancing elements, such as a chine line wrapping around the fuselage and saw-tooth paneling. A shrouded exhaust with serrated edges is positioned at the rear, which may help reduce radar and infrared detectability. In the rendering released by Lockheed Martin, the tanker is shown refueling two F-35A Joint Strike Fighters using refueling booms mounted near the wingtips. Although the Air Force primarily uses the boom method for refueling, it remains uncertain whether this tanker concept could also support the Navy and Marine Corps’ probe-and-drogue method. A retractable boom could enhance radar stealth but might compromise the boom’s structural integrity, posing potential operational challenges.

The design’s pilot-optional configuration offers flexibility, with provisions for both crewed and uncrewed operations. This adaptability reflects a broader trend, as Skunk Works has previously proposed advanced tanker concepts, including blended-wing body designs. A Lockheed Martin representative confirmed that Skunk Works is exploring configurations intended to balance survivability, affordability, and autonomy in refueling capabilities.

The NGAS is expected to include traditional tankers like the KC-46 and KC-135, with the possible addition of refueling drones for a networked approach. This model would allow uncrewed tankers to operate closer to contested areas, reducing risk to human crews. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall has noted the need for stealthy tankers capable of operating near anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) zones, potentially extending the range of Air Force missions without compromising tanker safety. Skunk Works’ design is depicted as capable of mid-air refueling itself, a feature that could extend its operational range.

Alongside Skunk Works’ concept, Boeing has proposed a land-based variant of its MQ-25 Stingray drone, initially developed for the U.S. Navy, as a potential NGAS solution. The Air Force is also exploring “buddy store” refueling pods, which could enable other aircraft to function as small tankers within the refueling ecosystem. Incorporating stealth tankers with uncrewed platforms and NGAD systems could help sustain operations near forward zones, providing flexibility in high-threat environments. Kendall has emphasized the need for stealthy refueling assets, especially in regions like the Pacific, where the long operational distances may place current tanker fleets at risk.

At the recent ATA symposium, Kendall discussed the financial pressures facing NGAS and NGAD initiatives, noting how these costs intersect with other priorities, such as the planned sixth-generation stealth fighter and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones. The Air Force is reassessing the NGAD program, including whether the fighter should be crewed or uncrewed, in response to budget concerns. Kendall indicated that the Air Force expects to finalize NGAS requirements by the end of the year and has issued a request for information from industry on refueling and mission systems to support a competitive vendor pool.

Skunk Works, known for its history of rapid prototyping, has developed aircraft like the P-80, U-2, and F-117 Nighthawk using a process focused on quickly achieving prototype status. This approach has facilitated projects such as the X-55A and the P-175 Polecat drone. However, transitioning these concepts from prototype to operational production has often been challenging, as demonstrated by the F-35 program. Production-phase issues highlighted concerns about “concurrency,” in which problems identified during development were addressed simultaneously on production units, leading to delays and increased costs.

The Air Force is also exploring other refueling methods, including Agile Combat Employment, to reduce reliance on aerial refueling when possible. Gen. Kevin Schneider of Pacific Air Forces noted that, while ground-based refueling is being considered, aerial refueling remains a priority to support dispersed operations.

As the Air Force advances its NGAS initiative, the focus on adaptable and survivable refueling solutions will remain central to its strategy. Skunk Works’ latest tanker concept, along with the Air Force’s exploration of innovative refueling systems and integration of stealth and autonomous capabilities, underscores ongoing efforts to maintain effective aerial refueling support in high-threat scenarios.