USAF considering 'very large' autonomous airborne tankers to replace KC-135, KC-46 — and Boeing's MQ-25 Stingray UAV is only the beginning

(Image credit: Hill Aerospace Museum)

Air Force explores unmanned tankers to replace its ageing refuelling fleet

The MQ-25's progress has revived plans for autonomous Air Force tankers

Range remains the biggest obstacle to building an unmanned tanker today

The US Air Force is considering whether its next refueling aircraft, expected to replace the KC-135 and KC-46, could fly with no crew aboard.

The idea gained ground because the Navy's Boeing MQ-25 Stingray, an unmanned refuelling drone, flew for the first…