The US is developing refueling aircraft for stealth fighters.

The US Air Force plans to develop a stealth refueling aircraft to provide aerial refueling for fifth-generation fighters such as the F-35 and F-22.

An F-35 stealth fighter jet is refueled in mid-air. Photo: AFP

According to Defense News, the US Air Force's future refueling aircraft, tentatively named KC-Z, will be capable of operating alongside fifth-generation stealth fighters such as the F-22 and F-35, penetrating deep into enemy territory.

According to General Carlton Everhart, commander of the U.S. Air Force Mobile Command, all refueling aircraft in the world today are manufactured based on the design of large passenger aircraft and lack stealth capabilities against enemy radar.

Therefore, during combat, refueling aircraft must operate far from enemy territory, making it impossible to refuel stealth fighters performing deep penetration missions.

The new KC-Z refueling aircraft will be designed to maximize stealth capabilities, enabling it to penetrate enemy air defense networks in anti-access/area denial environments.

To overcome the biggest challenge of achieving radar stealth capabilities, the KC-Z could utilize a fuselage-wing design (wing and fuselage integrated into one) or a flying wing design similar to the B-2 bomber. The aircraft must also meet the most crucial requirement: simplifying and automating the in-flight refueling process for the stealth fighter.

According to VNE