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Summary: The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider bomber may soon have a stealthy companion in the skies: the Next Generation Air Refueling System (NGAS), also known as the KC-Z.
NGAS Key Points and Why It Matters
Skunk Works at Lockheed Martin has released a concept image of a secret airborne tanker intended for close frontline support.
-NGAS has engines close to the fuselage and Lambda-style wings for power and stealth. It will operate alongside conventional tankers such as the KC-46 and KC-135 that are slated for retirement.
The Air Force’s budget for fiscal year 2025 reflects this change, with an emphasis on building aircraft that are agile and nimble to meet contemporary threats.
Meet the NGAS: The Stealthy Tanker Set to Transform Aerial Refueling
The US Air Force may also have flying wing aircraft in the 2030s and beyond, which are now under construction. We’re talking about the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider, which will be phased out of service sometime in the next ten years.
This week, a new concept image of the next-generation air refueling system was unveiled by Lockheed Martin’s exclusive advanced development program, known as the Skunk Works. Aviationists claim the aircraft, also known as the KC-Z, could eventually replace the KC-46 and KC-135 tankers once it enters service.
The NGAS drawing shows a lambda-style wing, which provides structural strength, stealth and design freedom. It has motors positioned near the fuselage, with rounded air inlets recessed under the wing’s root.
Although this artist’s rendering makes the NGAS appear smaller than a tanker, many elements will change as development progresses. Last year, a completely new depiction of NGAS was made public.
One thing that seems certain is that low observability will be an important factor for future sky gas stations.
Multiple Tankers – Different Missions
In a conflict situation, a stealth tanker, or one that is at least stealthy, can operate close to the front lines and be in a good position to support fighters and ground attack aircraft. Conventional tankers can operate at safer distances in between. These factors are probably driven by China’s growing territorial ambitions in the Indo-Pacific. Aerial refueling systems are even more important now that a confrontation with Beijing is likely, as American planes must fly longer distances to operate.
It’s not just an airplane. As a system, it is not universally applicable. According to Defense One, Air Mobility Command chief Gen. Mike Minihan told reporters earlier this year, “I’m not looking to develop a fleet to deal with every threat environment.”
As mentioned NGAS will be more agile and compact. However, it will be able to transport significant amounts of fuel close to contested airspace. Heavy tankers would move ahead, to guarantee air supply lines for fighters to reach targets and return home.
The Air Force is trying to reduce its planned acquisition of tanker aircraft to pay for the development of NGAS and bring it into service sooner.In its Fiscal Year 2025 budget request, the air service will seek to divest 16 older KC-135 Stratotankers and purchase just 15 new KC-46A Pegasus tankers.
NGAL Also Coming
The Air Force is planning for the future with its Next Generation Airlift program, which will replace the Lockheed C-130 and Boeing C-17 heavy lift aircraft in addition to new stealth tankers.
The Air Force of the late 21st century could look quite different from that of the late 20th – and many aircraft might not even be visible on radar.
Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu
Author Peter Suciu lives in Michigan. During his twenty-year journalism career, he has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites, publishing more than 3,200 items. Typical topics of his interest include foreign affairs, cyber security, history of weapons, military equipment and politics. Additionally, Peter writes as a contributing writer for Clearance Jobs and Forbes. On Twitter, you can follow him at @PeterSuciu. The author’s email address is Editor@nationalinterest.org.
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