US develops tanker aircraft for stealth fighters

The US Air Force plans to develop a stealthy tanker aircraft to refuel in the air for 5th generation fighters such as the F-35 and F-22.

F-35 stealth fighter refueled in the air. Photo: AFP

The US Air Force's future refueling aircraft is expected to be named KC-Z, capable of operating with 5th generation stealth fighters such as the F-22 and F-35 to penetrate deep into enemy territory, according to Defense News.

According to General Carlton Everhart, commander of the US Air Force's Air Mobility Command, all tanker aircraft in the world today are manufactured based on the design of large passenger aircraft, which are not capable of being invisible to enemy radar.

Therefore, when participating in combat, tanker aircraft must operate far from enemy territory and cannot refuel stealth fighters performing deep penetration missions.

The new KC-Z tanker will be designed to maximize stealth capabilities, capable of penetrating enemy air defenses in anti-access/area denial environments.

To overcome the biggest challenge of creating stealth capabilities to radar waves, the KC-Z could use a wing-body design (wing and fuselage are combined) or a flying wing similar to the B-2 bomber. The aircraft also has to meet the most important requirement of simplifying and automating the process of aerial refueling for stealth fighters.

According to VNE