MQ-25 Stingray

MQ-25 Stingray is an unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Boeing for the United States Navy to provide carrier-based aerial refueling. Selected as the winner of the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System (CBARS) competition, it is designed to extend the range of deployed carrier air wing aircraft such as the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, and F-35C Lightning II. The program aims to alleviate the demanding refueling mission from traditional Super Hornet squadrons, thereby increasing the overall reach and endurance of the carrier strike group.

Development and procurement

The program originated from the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) project, which sought a stealthy, armed reconnaissance and strike platform. In 2016, the Department of Defense restructured the effort, prioritizing the aerial refueling tanker role under the CBARS program to address a critical capability gap. Boeing, General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman submitted proposals, with the Boeing design being selected in August 2018. A contract for the development of four engineering development model aircraft was awarded, with the first test asset, known as T1, delivered in 2019. Key testing milestones have included the first autonomous flight with an aerial refueling store at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and carrier suitability trials aboard the USS George H.W. Bush. The program is managed by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) at Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

Design and capabilities

The aircraft features a flying-wing design with a pronounced cranked-kite planform, a single Rolls-Royce AE 3007N turbofan engine, and a retractable refueling drogue housed in a pod under the fuselage. It is constructed using composite materials and is designed for low-observable characteristics, though its primary mission is not stealth. The MQ-25 is equipped with a Raytheon-developed perception and avoidance system, advanced flight control software, and a communications suite for secure datalinks with E-2D airborne early warning aircraft and the carrier's Cooperative Engagement Capability network. Its primary payload is an aerial refueling store capable of transferring up to 15,000 pounds of fuel to receiver aircraft at a range of over 500 nautical miles from the carrier, significantly extending the combat radius of the air wing.

Operational history

The first developmental test flight occurred on 19 September 2019 from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. Initial carrier-based testing commenced in December 2021 aboard the USS George H.W. Bush in the Atlantic Ocean, successfully demonstrating launch and recovery operations, deck handling, and integration with carrier air traffic control. In June 2024, the aircraft completed its first ever aerial refueling of another unmanned platform, transferring fuel to a MQ-28 Ghost Bat during an exercise in Australia. The United States Navy plans to achieve initial operational capability with the first operational squadron, VUQ-10, in 2025. Future operational testing will involve integration with Super Hornet and F-35C Lightning II squadrons.

Variants

The primary variant is the MQ-25A, the baseline carrier-based tanker. The T1 aircraft is the first of several engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) test vehicles used for flight and carrier suitability testing. Boeing has proposed a potential multi-mission variant, sometimes referred to as the MQ-25B, which could incorporate internal weapons bays and enhanced sensors for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance or light strike missions, though this remains a concept without formal United States Navy procurement. The airframe's design allows for potential future growth and adaptation of different mission modules.

Operators

The United States Navy is the sole planned operator. The service intends to procure over 70 aircraft to equip its carrier-based unmanned tanker squadrons. The first operational unit will be Unmanned Carrier-Launched Multi-Role Squadron (VUQ) 10, which will be established at Naval Air Station Patuxent River for initial training and development of tactics, techniques, and procedures before deploying aboard Nimitz-class and future Ford-class aircraft carriers.

Category:Unmanned aerial vehicles of the United States Category:Carrier-based aircraft Category:Aerial refueling aircraft Category:Boeing aircraft