X-47B begins in flight refueling tests

Also here

foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com...

There's a video on YouTube but I can't link it through my phone.

The final connection included a transfer of 4,000 pounds of fuel from the Omega tanker to the X-47B. The test program is now supposed to be officially concluded.

here ya go

a reply to: Zaphod58

There were pictures of it hung in the 03 level Wardroom when I was on the Forrestal.

That is amazing, its flying completely autonomous right?

Does it know its refueling or is it just flying in a line at a constant altitude, speed and direction whilst the tanker guides the pod in or is it using sensors to aim the probe into the drogue?

I cannot wait to see the next generation of these in full operational mode, any further idea on where the Navy go once these finish the trials (which I think you said with this its done).

Just read on WIKI the tender for a UCLASS fleet is scheduled for 2016? Anyone know any different?

a reply to: Forensick

With probe and drogue refueling the tanker has at best limited control of the drogue. The KC-135 attaches a drogue to the boom, which allows them to move it around some, but it's almost entirely up to the receiver to actually plug into it. With wingtip pods or under tail drogues all they do is unwind them and stream them in the airflow off the tanker.

a reply to: Zaphod58

here is another view of the refuel

www.youtube.com...



dang it its the same one gray posted .... my bad guys