Direct ground refueling of MQ-9 using MV-22 carried out for the first time

Working together with the U.S. Marine Corps, the 163rd Attack Wing has proven that the MQ-9 can be refueled on the ground while connected to an MV-22.

An MQ-9 Reaper assigned to the 163 Attack Wing, March Air Reserve Base stages for refueling on the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, CA July 21, 2022.The 163d accelerated change by pioneering the first ever refuel of the MQ-9 Reaper using a Forward Area refueling Point provided by the VMM – 764’s V-22 Osprey. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Pagan)

The ground-breaking test was carried out in partnership with VMM-764 during Integrated Training Exercise 4-22 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms last month.

The refueling exercise was to help the Marines acquire tactics, techniques, and procedures to operate the MQ-9 in the future. The USMC has placed orders for the MQ-9.

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