Science & Tech · AI · 2 hrs ago
US Air Force explores AI to assess aerial refuelling
The US Air Force is exploring AI to assess aerial refuelling using footage from tanker aircraft cameras.
The proposed software would track aircraft speed, alignment, position and approach, as well as the movement of the refuelling boom.
The work initially focuses on the KC-46 Pegasus, whose cameras let boom operators guide fuel transfers remotely.
Today, assessments rely largely on instructor observations, crew evaluations and manual video reviews, which can lead to inconsistent judgements or missed errors.
The system is intended to give instructors more consistent feedback about crews’ performance and show where mistakes occurred.
The Air Force wants a prototype that could fit existing training for at least one type of receiving aircraft, with possible future links to simulators and virtual- or augmented-reality training.
Companies can apply to develop the system through the Small Business Innovation Research programme, with applications due by November 25, 2026.
The US Air Force is exploring an AI system to identify mistakes during aerial refuelling.
The proposed software would analyze footage from tanker cameras and assess aircraft movements and refuelling accuracy.
It could track speed, positioning, approach velocity and alignment, then provide instructors with detailed performance information.
The initial development effort focuses on the KC-46 Pegasus tanker.
The project is part of the Small Business Innovation Research programme, with applications due by November 25, 2026.
- Who
- The US Air Force is exploring the system; developers are invited to propose solutions.
- What
- It wants AI software to assess aerial refuelling operations using tanker-camera footage.
- When
- The initiative is described in an article published October 30, 2026. Applications are due November 25, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- To provide more consistent assessments and help crews and instructors identify mistakes during refuelling exercises.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
TechRadar reported that the US Air Force is exploring AI to assess aerial refuelling.
The deadline for developers to submit applications to the programme.
- Initial focus
- KC-46 Pegasus tanker
- Footage source
- Cameras on tanker aircraft
- Measurements
- Speed, relative positioning, approach velocity and alignment
- Programme
- Small Business Innovation Research
- Application deadline
- November 25, 2026