Robot gasses up joint strike fighter.

• Author: Beidel, Eric
• Position: TECHWIRE

* Twice new a robot has successfully refueled a simulated gas tank of an F-35 fighter jet, sparking what may be a radical change in how the military services its aircraft.

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The Air Force Research Laboratory is making upgrades to its automated aircraft, ground refueling system, after which it will begin field tests with the machine.

Air Force engineers say that the robot will decrease the need for humans to be near aircraft while refueling, thereby increasing safety in such activities. Though refueling equipment has been enhanced over the years, the process still remains a manual one that requires the...