Lockheed Martin develops new aerial refueling tanker

The plane will be equipped with a fully automatic boom and air-to-air refueling system

Lockheed Martin develops new aerial refueling tanker

Photo: Lockheed Martin

The LMXT, a future U.S. strategic tanker, is designed to meet the operational requirements of the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.   

Lockheed Martin said that the aerial refueling will be carried out using advanced technologies, and that the refueling range will be expanded significantly. The plane will be equipped with a fully automatic fly-by-wire boom and air-to-air refueling system.   

The plane, which was developed on the basis of the operational requirements of the U.S. military and the fleets of 13 countries, will be able to refuel almost all existing types of American fighter, transport and maritime patrol aircraft. The LMXT will be equipped with systems for increased situational awareness as well as space for flying various types of cargo. The plane is designed to have a flight speed of mach 0.81 and to be able to stay in the air for 19.5 hours without landing.