787-UAVR  

Unmanned Aerial Refueler

The 787-UAVR is a conceptual unmanned aerial refueling platform based on the Boeing 787 airframe. It transforms the super long-range, high-performance 787 into a persistent aerial refueling and multi-mission support aircraft designed to extend the operational range and endurance of other aircraft while reducing risk to human crews.

The concept features multiple aerial refueling points, allowing it to support several aircraft or assets during extended operations. A high-capacity fuel system provides the foundation for long-endurance missions, while advanced autonomy and network-centric systems are intended to enable the aircraft to operate with limited human intervention.

A key feature is its modular payload bay, which can accommodate a variety of mission equipment, such as additional fuel tanks, communications equipment, sensors, and other mission systems. This provides the 787-UAVR with the flexibility to perform roles beyond aerial refueling.

The aircraft is envisioned as a force multiplier, extending the combat radius of manned and unmanned aircraft, supporting persistent operations, reducing pilot workload and exposure to danger, and providing long-range support to multiple assets.

The underlying Boeing 787 is well suited to this conceptual role because the aircraft was originally designed with strong performance, substantial fuel capacity, and long-range capability.

The UAVR Joint Aerial Tanker combines and advanced widebody aerodynamics with an uncrewed architecture to provide persistent, long-range aerial refueling for USAF, US Navy, and USMC strike packages.

Base Airframe & Strategic Autonomy

• Baseline Reach: Unrefueled baseline range of 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km).

• Unmanned Payload Efficiency: Removing the crew flight deck, life-support hardware, pressurized cabin seating, and pilot amenities frees up immense structural weight and interior volume.

• 20 Hours On-Station: By eliminating pilot fatigue, human physiological constraints, and crew duty limits, the 787-UAVR can loiter in theater for up to 20 hours on a single sortie.

• Double Conventional Refuelers: Manned tankers like the KC-135 or KC-46 typically average 3 to 5 hours of effective loiter time at a 1,000 nautical-mile combat radius before requiring relief or tanker-on-tanker refueling. The 787-UAVR more than doubles that persistent on-station duration.

• Network-Centric Autonomy: Employs FFBW flights control and automated aerial refueling (AAR) systems to safely manage simultaneous contacts with both manned fighters and autonomous combat drones.

Tri-Service Operational Impact

• Multi-Receiver Compatibility: Houses both a tail-mounted flying boom and wing-mounted probe-and-drogue pods, ensuring a single 787-UAVR can support USAF boom receivers alongside Navy and Marine Corps hose-and-drogue aircraft on the same mission.

• The massive range and persistent loiter endurance minimize the total number of tanker hulls required to support long-distance strike corridors over ocean gaps.