The probe-and-drogue system uses a length of hose attached to receptacle "basket." The other aircraft plugs a refueling probe into the basket to receive fuel. The basket can sometimes move erratically around in the air depending on environmental conditions. The X-47B already holds the honor of being the first unmanned aircraft, at least officially, to successfully take on gas from a manned tanker using this method, but systems to help in automated aerial refueling, including stabilized drogues, have been in development for many years.

The probe-and-drogue system uses a length of hose attached to receptacle "basket." The other aircraft plugs a refueling probe into the basket to receive fuel. The basket can sometimes move erratically around in the air depending on environmental conditions. The X-47B already holds the honor of being the first unmanned aircraft, at least officially, to successfully take on gas from a manned tanker using this method, but systems to help in automated aerial refueling, including stabilized drogues, have been in development for many years.

The probe-and-drogue system uses a length of hose attached to receptacle "basket." The other aircraft plugs a refueling probe into the basket to receive fuel.