Lockheed Martin Showcases Swaterbang Refueling Aircraft Design



The United States is currently in the process of developing a new generation refueling aircraft that is difficult to detect by enemy radars under the Next-Generation Air Refueling System (NGAS) program. Earlier this year Lockheed Martin shared their NGAS concept aircraft design with a cockpit for a human pilot. This week they also shared the design of the second plane which is clearly a swaterbang plane.



At first glance it looks more like a drone aircraft in the same class as the Loyal Wingman. It obviously has two refueling pods built into the wing. The size of the aircraft is also larger than the F-35 fighter aircraft. To make it difficult to be detected by radar, the body is filled with serrations where the plane's panels join together similar to those used on the F-35 and F-22.



Another thing that is noticed is that the exhaust of the aircraft is placed in the stern with it also having serrations to reduce the reflection of radar signals. In addition to being able to refuel, this NGAS concept aircraft can also be refilled through the fuel tank through the filling hole on the dorsal side.


NGAS will operate at the border and can enter enemy airspace to supply fuel to fighter planes when needed. Current refueling tankers should operate further away requiring fighter jets to get out of the conflict zone first.

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