The US Air Force's research lab in New York is developing a system will allow fighter planes to be rearmed, as well as refuelled, in mid-flight.
A supply plane, such as a C-141 or C-17 would incorporate a telescopic boom that extends from its rear. This boom would boast its own miniature wings, to give it stability and lift while deployed. And mounted on top would be a looped conveyor belt to move bombs and missiles from the supply plane to the boom's end.
A fighter plane could then fly over the boom until optical sensors confirm that the weapons below are aligned and can be snatched up.
The Air Force's patent application reveals political motivations for the plan. It says that some nations are reluctant to provide access to bases for refuelling and rearming. "The nations of Europe, for example, lying closer as they do to areas of turmoil such as the Middle East, are often reluctant to take hard stances against terrorists who lie within an automobile ride from their borders," it reads.
More on: http://www.newscientisttech.com/article/dn9615
A supply plane, such as a C-141 or C-17 would incorporate a telescopic boom that extends from its rear. This boom would boast its own miniature wings, to give it stability and lift while deployed. And mounted on top would be a looped conveyor belt to move bombs and missiles from the supply plane to the boom's end.
A fighter plane could then fly over the boom until optical sensors confirm that the weapons below are aligned and can be snatched up.
The Air Force's patent application reveals political motivations for the plan. It says that some nations are reluctant to provide access to bases for refuelling and rearming. "The nations of Europe, for example, lying closer as they do to areas of turmoil such as the Middle East, are often reluctant to take hard stances against terrorists who lie within an automobile ride from their borders," it reads.
More on: http://www.newscientisttech.com/article/dn9615
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