Air

Air Force seeks AI that grades KC-46 refueling from tanker cameras

The Air Force has opened a Small Business Innovation Research solicitation for AI that analyzes camera footage from KC-46 tankers during aerial refueling. The software would track the tanker, boom and receiving aircraft, measure position, closure rate and deviations from plan, and produce automated post-flight debriefs with overlays and heat maps. Applications are due Nov. 25, and no funding amount was disclosed.

Illustration of a tanker jet refueling a fighter through its boom, with computer-vision tracking boxes overlaid

Illustration: Autonomy Wire (AI-generated)

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