U.S. Navy MQ-25A Stingray Completes Second Development Test Flight, Carrier-Based Unmanned Tanker Program on Track
Boeing's MQ-25A Stingray unmanned carrier-based tanker has successfully completed its second development test flight, confirming the program remains on schedule. The aircraft is designed to provide aerial refueling support for F/A-18 Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, and F-35Cs, significantly extending their combat range and marking a major milestone in the U.S. Navy's push toward autonomous carrier aviation.
Highlights
- Boeing's MQ-25A Stingray unmanned carrier-based tanker successfully completed its second development test flight, confirming the program remains on schedule.
- The MQ-25A is the U.S. Navy's first purpose-built unmanned aerial refueling aircraft designed for aircraft carrier operations.
- The platform will provide aerial refueling support for the F/A-18 Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, and F-35C, extending their combat range and mission flexibility.
- By assuming the tanker role, the MQ-25A will free F/A-18s currently used for buddy-store refueling to return to their primary combat missions.
- The program represents a foundational step toward integrating autonomous unmanned systems into U.S. Navy carrier strike group operations.
ST. LOUIS — The U.S. Navy has taken another significant step toward autonomous carrier aviation, as Boeing's MQ-25A Stingray unmanned carrier-based tanker successfully completed its second development test flight.
The milestone confirms that Boeing's unmanned tanker program remains on schedule, as the U.S. Navy presses forward with plans to field its first operationally capable carrier-based unmanned refueling platform.
Program Background
The MQ-25A Stingray is the U.S. Navy's first purpose-built unmanned aerial refueling aircraft designed for carrier operations. It is intended to provide aerial refueling support for carrier-based aircraft including the F/A-18 Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, and F-35C, substantially extending their combat range and mission flexibility.
With the MQ-25A assuming the tanker role, F/A-18s currently tasked with buddy-store refueling missions will be freed to return to their primary combat roles, further enhancing overall carrier strike group lethality.
Development Progress
The successful completion of the second development test flight represents a critical checkpoint in the overall MQ-25A program. The U.S. Navy and Boeing continue to validate the aircraft's performance across a range of flight conditions, laying the groundwork for future carrier arrested-landing and catapult-launch trials ahead of eventual operational deployment.
The MQ-25A program represents a significant strategic investment by the U.S. Navy in autonomous carrier aviation and is a foundational step toward integrating unmanned systems into the modern carrier strike group.
Source: Defense Feeds, St. Louis
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