Contributor - UK

David Donald

On June 4 the Boeing/U.S. Navy team that is developing the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned carrier-borne tanker passed a major milestone when the first test air vehicle passed fuel to a manned receiver in flight. A Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet from Naval Air Systems Command’s Strike Test Directorate (VX-23) was the receiving aircraft, and it conducted a formation evaluation prior to engaging with the Aerial Refueling Store (ARS) carried by the MQ-25. Fuel was transferred at an operationally relevant airspeed and altitude.

 


“This flight lays the foundation for integration into the carrier environment, allowing for greater capability toward manned-unmanned teaming concepts,” said rear admiral Brian Corey,&nbsp;who oversees the Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons. “MQ-25 will greatly increase the range and endurance of the future carrier air wing—equipping our aircraft carriers with additional assets well into the future.”

 


“This is our mission, an unmanned aircraft that frees our strike fighters from the tanker role, and provides the Carrier Air Wing with greater range, flexibility, and capability,” added captain Chad Reed, manager for the Navy’s Unmanned Carrier Aviation program office (PMA-268). “Seeing the MQ-25 fulfilling its primary tasking today—fueling an F/A-18—is a significant and exciting moment for the Navy and shows concrete progress toward realizing MQ-25’s capabilities for the fleet.”

 


Boeing used its company-owned MQ-25 test article, known as T1, which flew from its test site at MidAmerica Airport in Mascoutah, Illinois. T1 has been <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-09-20/stingray-takes-air">flying since September 2019</a> and has undertaken 25 sorties, including several with the ARS attached. Important data was gathered during the flight in the areas of airwake interaction, and guidance and control. Based on the analysis of the data, software changes can be incorporated at an early stage of testing if they are required.

 


In the coming months, T1 will continue to undergo engine test and envelope expansion flight trials, validating the results of many hours of simulations. Later in the year, the air vehicle will be transported to Norfolk, Virginia, from where it will be craned aboard an aircraft carrier for deck handling trials.

 


T1 was built at Boeing’s expense, but the company has seven further Stingrays under contract for Navy trials. Four Engineering Development Model (EDM) aircraft were ordered as part of the original contract in August 2018, and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2020-04-07/navy-orders-more-test-stingrays-boeing">three System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTAs)</a> were added in a contract modification in April 2020. Current planning envisages the Navy receiving 72 MQ-25As, with service entry slated for 2024.

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

Boeing’s Stingray Performs First Unmanned Refueling

The MQ-25 Stingray is on course to be deployed as a tanker aboard the U.S. Navy’s carriers.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Military and challenging commercial logistics applications are priorities

PteroDynamics Expands Horizons for Transwing VTOL Aircraft

Areion is the new name for Spright, which was formerly part of helicopter operator Air Methods

Drone Operator Areion Confirms Aero2 VTOL Order with Dufour Aerospace

Hanneke Weitering

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

Large-scale UAS has agricultural, cargo, and defense applications

Pyka Raises $40 Million for Autonomous Electric Pelican Aircraft

Matt Thurber

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Requirements address certification for items not currently covered by existing regulations

FAA Proposes Special Conditions for Skyryse One STC

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Joby and Reliable Robotics participate in “Agile Flag 24-3” logistics exercise

U.S. Air Force Trials Autonomous Flights with Joby, Reliable Robotics

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

Mission Manager software coordinated a fleet of drones gathering video and data

Anra Demonstrates Drone Inspections of New York's Power Infrastructure

Peter Shaw-Smith

Honeywell ground control stations enable BVLOS operations

Odys Taps Honeywell for UAS Ground Control Stations in Oman

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

More In Unmanned Aerial Vehicles