Autonomous airliners still seem far away, but autonomous KC-135 tankers are something that the U.S. Air Force seems to be examining seriously.
Some time ago, we looked at a story involving single-pilot operations in KC-46 tankers. This aircraft is a military version of the 767, which is slowly replacing the KC-135. The old tankers, progeny of the same Boeing 367-80 that gave birth to the 707, are long overdue for replacement.
![](https://mentourpilot.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/KC-46-Refuels-B-2-Edwards-AFB.jpg)
But that doesn’t mean that the U.S. Air Force doesn’t have ideas of how to use them next. The KC-135 fleet is getting harder to maintain, but there is no end of alternative roles for the aircraft – including, it seems, autonomous operations.
The U.S. Air Force has signed a contract with Merlin, a company specializing in aviation autonomy, in a program involving the KC-135. Initially, the company will aim to add systems to the aircraft that will improve crewed operations, taking some of the load off the pilots.
![USAF Wants Autonomous KC-135 Tankers!](https://mentourpilot.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/F-15C-Eagle-67th-FS-Kadena-AB-KC-135R-Stratotanker-909th-Air-Refueling-Sqn.jpg)
But ultimately, the Air Force and Merlin want to explore the possibility of autonomous operations for the KC-135. This could theoretically allow the aircraft to carry fuel into less friendly airspace while supporting various manned or perhaps unmanned aircraft.
From The KC-135 To Other Autonomous Jets?
Merlin is developing a software-based autonomy system, that it can adapt to multiple aircraft types. The company has previously worked on other, much smaller aircraft, like the King Air, the Twin Otter, a Cessna Caravan, and others.
![](https://mentourpilot.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/KC-135-Stratotanker-Cockpit.jpg)
The implications of such a program for commercial aviation could be far-reaching if it is successful. Many previously assumed that autonomous operations would likely involve newly-built aircraft, that already have advanced avionics and controls, like the Airbus A350 or the Boeing 787.
Adapting an aircraft like the KC-46, essentially the latest version of a 40+ year-old jet, to higher automation or autonomy, already seemed like a daunting prospect. But introducing autonomous operations on a KC-135 seems daunting on a different scale.
![USAF Wants Autonomous KC-135 Tankers!](https://mentourpilot.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/KC-135-Stratotanker-F-15-Eagle-2151989556.jpg)
Not only do these jets have a three-person cockpit crew, but their refueling mission involves even more crew. However, the U.S. Air Force has been exploring the possibility of using its aging tanker fleet as aerial-launch drone platforms.
Once the KC-46 has replaced it, perhaps a fleet of autonomous KC-135 tankers could find such roles. Separately, the Air Force is also exploring the possibility of a future stealthy autonomous tanker.
2 comments
Eugene
That sounds so cool, I’m guessing they will also autonomously takeoff?
Iskender Kutlucinar
Isn’t KD-46 is late to deliver by Boeing?
Regards,
Isken.