US Air Force Wants to Equip KC-135 Tankers with Drones
KC-135 tanker aircraft and F-22A fighter jet
The US Air Force is planning to expand the capabilities of its KC-135 Stratotanker tanker aircraft. They are proposed to equip them with an original system for launching light unmanned aerial vehicles. With the help of UAVs, they want to improve the situational awareness of the crew when performing various missions. In addition, Drones will help you work in hazardous areas and take on the main risks.
Tanker with drones
The idea of equipping tanker aircraft with light UAVs emerged no later than 2022. It was proposed by the Air Force Air Mobility Command (AMC), which is responsible for operating tankers. The drones were supposed to be a response to a number of specific challenges that have emerged recently.
The general public learned about the new concept in early 2023, when a memo authored by AMC Chief General Michael Minihan was leaked to the press. The general subsequently raised the topic at various events and called for the implementation of the original idea.
It has recently become known that the AMC proposal has been developed. In 2023-24, unnamed organizations developed a device for the placement and use of UAVs on tanker aircraft. The product received the simplest designation KC-135 Drone Deliver Mechanism - "Delivery mechanism drones for KC-135."
The first tests of such a product took place in the last financial year (no later than September 30, 2024). The DDM mechanism demonstrated fundamental functionality and the possibility of application in a real situation.
The Pentagon and Congress are currently working on the military budget for the next 2026 fiscal year, which will begin on October 1. A draft of this document has already been published, which sets out the main plans, wishes and proposals of the military department.
View from the gas station operator's workstation. The angle and viewing area may impose some restrictions
In particular, the Air Force and Airlift Command are proposing to allocate funds to continue work on the KC-135 DDM system. The project is relatively simple, so mass production and deployment of the new devices will not require much money. At the same time, the tanker aircraft will receive important additional capabilities.
Whether Congress will approve AMC's proposal remains to be seen. It will have to evaluate the need for the new systems and their potential, as well as their economic feasibility. It is possible that lawmakers will agree with the Airlift Command and authorize the proposed aircraft upgrades.
Delivery mechanism
The KC-135 DDM project proposes to equip the existing tanker aircraft with new devices for storing and launching small UAVs of various purposes. A prototype of such a system was made using available components and units without significant processing. In this form, the "delivery mechanism" demonstrated its operability.
The DDM experimental system used a standard side door of the carrier aircraft. It was equipped with a standard device for mounting a transport and launch container with a UAV, borrowed from another aviation equipment. It is proposed to place racks for TPK in the amount of up to a hundred inside the aircraft cabin.
The Common Launch Tube (CLT) is used to store and launch drones. This type of container is shaped like a tube 48 inches (1,2 m) long and 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter. One of the ends is equipped with a knockout device for ejecting the payload. CLT containers are already used by several US Air Force platforms and carry different loads in the form of missiles and other ammunition.
Along with the launcher and racks, the carrier aircraft must receive a control station and communication systems necessary for working with the UAV. The operational capabilities of the entire system, the number of drones in the air and the range will depend on them.
CLT standard container
Unmanned payload
When used as part of a DDM system, the CLT container must carry an unmanned aerial vehicle. What kind of UAVs are proposed to be used on tanker aircraft has not yet been announced. Even the general wishes of AMC are unknown.
The CLT container can carry various drones, both aircraft-type and copters. The TPK must throw them into the air and give them an initial speed before switching to independent flight. If the series retains the scheme with a re-equipped door, then the launch will be carried out sideways and upwards relative to the direction of flight.
Apparently, the UAVs for the KC-135 will be disposable. The aircraft will not be able to accommodate any system for receiving and returning drones.
The main goals of the KC-2023 DDM project were mentioned back in 135. First of all, the UAV is proposed to improve the situational awareness of the tanker crew. For example, the drone can be used to monitor the refueling process from the side. This will provide the crews of the two aircraft with additional data and reduce risks.
Scenarios were also mentioned in which the UAV would survey the airfield before landing. Other reconnaissance options are also possible in the interests of the aircraft and its mission.
The UAV can also enhance the safety of its carrier. For example, it can be equipped with an electronic warfare system to counter enemy air defense or aviation. In addition, the drone can act as a decoy. In both cases, it should distract the enemy from the tanker, which is a priority target.
CLT container launcher on board an AC-130W aircraft
Logical decision
Overall, the KC-135 DDM project looks interesting and promising. In its proposed form, it allows solving several typical problems and generally improving the capabilities of tanker aircraft. At the same time, the project is quite simple and does not require special investments.
The authors of the idea point to the possibility of improving the situational awareness of the crews, and this makes sense. For example, the process of refueling in the air is complex. It is assumed that the UAV will allow it to be observed from the outside and will help to avoid errors in the conduct of basic operations, as well as reduce risks.
The idea of providing security using drones looks interesting. Jammers and decoys will allow the tanker to operate near dangerous areas or even enter them. All this will reduce risks and also allow for more complex air operations.
It is noteworthy that the proposed launch system can be used not only on KC-135 aircraft. Its design allows for installation on a wide variety of equipment. For example, the next carrier could be the new-generation KC-46 tanker. In its case, too, no significant redesign of the design would be required.
DDM can also be installed on other types of aircraft and for other purposes. In this case, UAVs will be selected in accordance with the class and tasks of the carrier. Thus, fire support aircraft will receive CLT containers with loitering munitions, and reconnaissance vehicles will be used in search and rescue missions.
However, so far we are talking about only one carrier aircraft and a limited range of UAVs used. In the near future, such a project will have to go through bureaucratic procedures and receive approval. If Congress allocates the necessary funds, the DDM project for the KC-135 will be implemented. There will also be a chance to develop other versions of this system, but their prospects are still in question.
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