1 hour ago
Last Updated:March 11, 2026, 10:33 IST
Mid-air aircraft refuelling, also known as aerial refuelling, transfers fuel from a tanker aircraft to another aircraft while both are airborne.
America’s B-21 Raider Captured Refuelling Mid-Air in Viral Video
A viral video has captured Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider carrying out mid-air refuelling for the first time. The aircraft is the next-generation stealth bomber of the United States Air Force, designed for long-range global strike missions. This comes amid the ongoing Iran war.
What is mid-air refuelling?
Mid-air aircraft refuelling, also known as aerial refuelling, transfers fuel from a tanker aircraft to another aircraft while both are airborne. The process allows military aircraft to extend their range, remain in the air longer and carry heavier payloads during operations.
The B-21 Raider uses a boom receptacle system controlled by fly-by-wire technology. It is compatible with tanker aircraft such as the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus and potential future stealth tanker programmes under the Next Generation Air-refueling System initiative.
Fuel capacity and operational challenges
The bomber carries around 110,000 to 120,000 pounds of fuel internally, roughly two-thirds of the capacity of the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, which holds about 167,000 pounds. A full refuelling top-off can take around 15 to 20 minutes, with fuel transferred at about 1,200 gallons per minute.
The planned fleet of more than 100 B-21 bombers could require two to three times more tanker aircraft than the B-2 fleet. Another challenge is that non-stealth tankers such as the KC-46 could expose the bomber during missions in contested airspace, including operations around Iran.
The first flight-tested refuelling of the B-21 took place in 2025. The aircraft’s design prioritises fuel capacity over weapons bay size to improve endurance for long-range missions.
Location :
United States of America (USA)
First Published:
March 11, 2026, 10:31 IST
News world Viral Video Shows US B-21 Raider Mid-Air Refuelling For First Time Amid Ongoing Iran War | Watch
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