Abstract: Based on the skeleton spring theory, a new design method for self-adaptive variable drag characteristic refueling drogue is proposed. In order to realize that the drag characteristic area changes adaptively with the change of flight speed, the drag value is basically constant in a certain speed range, so that the relative position of refueling drogue and tanker can be basically fixed. To verify the correctness of the design method and fully understand the influence of the Young’s modulus and thickness parameters of the spring on the aerodynamic characteristics of the drogue, the wind tunnel force test and deformation measurement technology are adopted to study the aerodynamic characteristics of four sets of self-adaptive variable drag spring drogues, then the extended application of data results is analyzed, and the engineering estimation model is extracted. The results show that: the adaptive variable drag characteristic drogue design method is reasonable, and the skeleton springs deform adaptively with the change of wind speed, so that the drag characteristic area can be adjusted adaptively and plays the role of stabilizing drag; in the range of test wind speed, the smaller the spring bending stiffness is, the larger the deformation is, and the adaptive characteristics of 1.0 mm steel spring drogue are the best; compared with the traditional constant drag characteristic drogue, the stability performance of the adaptive drogue is better, and the dynamic measurement results fluctuate less. The research results and engineering estimation model can provide an important data support for the design of an adaptive variable drag characteristic drogue which is suitable for real project.