Boeing has indicated its MQ-28 Ghost Bat loyal-wingman could be equipped for aerial refuelling, a modification that would materially extend the unmanned jet's operational range and on-station persistence. The hint frames mid-air refuelling as a capability to sustain longer manned–unmanned missions.
Discovered |
Briefing
Adds measurable mission reach: fitting the MQ-28 with aerial-refuelling capability would directly increase on-station persistence and effective range, building on the platform's recent public flight demonstrations at Woomera (context: https://hype.aero/?story=123d3fa0-5dc3-4b57-8314-e36e83bbf52c).
Technical and procurement momentum: autonomous/uncrewed refuelling is an active development area, underlined by the AFRL's Phase Two CRONUS solicitation for automated air-refuelling booms (background: https://hype.aero/?story=3abb09e3-bea3-43aa-a520-75c074a49fc2).
Operational enablers and constraints matter: progress toward operational uncrewed tankers and carrier-capable refuelling (see MQ-25 Stingray efforts) will influence how quickly and where an aerial-refuelled MQ-28 can be deployed (relevant update: https://hype.aero/?story=8b93869f-f162-48c5-bacb-5a5878a55a71).
Reported By
Hype groups these reports into one evolving story so you can compare coverage without losing the thread.
Boeing teases aerial refuelling and drag‑and‑drop tasking for MQ‑28 Ghost Bat in concept video • defenceconnect.com.au
Australia’s MQ-28 on the hunt for key production decision • FlightGlobal
The War Zone
• Joseph Trevithick