Boeing MQ-25 Stingray

Last updated
MQ-25 Stingray
MQ-25 refuels F-35C (cropped).jpg
MQ-25 Stingray during testing
Role Unmanned combat aerial vehicle for aerial refueling
National originUnited States
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight19 September 2019
StatusIn development
Primary user United States Navy

The Boeing MQ-25 Stingray is an aerial refueling drone that resulted from the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System (CBARS) program, which grew out of the earlier Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) program. The MQ-25 first flew on 19 September 2019.

Contents

Development

Background

The United States Navy began its efforts to develop an aircraft carrier-based UAV in 2006. The original UCLASS concept was for a stealthy strike platform capable of penetrating enemy air defenses. In 2012, lethality and strike requirements were diluted in order to create an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)-oriented aircraft that could be developed quickly to conduct low-intensity counter-terrorism missions. [1]

On 1 February 2016, after delays over whether the UCLASS would specialize in strike or ISR roles, it was reported that significant priority would be given to producing a Super Hornet-sized carrier-based aerial refueling tanker as the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System (CBARS), with "a little ISR" and some capabilities for communications relay, and strike capabilities put off to a future variant. [2] The Pentagon apparently made this program change to address the Navy's expected fighter shortfall by directing funds to buy more F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and accelerate purchases of the F-35C. Having the CBARS as the first carrier-based UAV provides a less complex bridge to the future F/A-XX, should it be an unmanned strike platform. It also addresses the carriers' need for an organic refueling aircraft, proposed for the UCLASS since 2014, freeing up the 20–30 percent of Super Hornets performing the mission in a more capable and cost effective manner than modifying the F-35, V-22 Osprey, and E-2D Hawkeye, or returning the retired S-3 Viking to service. [2] [3] [4]

Four development contracts were issued in 2016, with a formal RFP expected in 2017, with operational status in the early to mid-2020s. [5] [6] In July 2016, it was officially named "MQ-25A Stingray" after being named RAQ-25A previously. [7]

Rear Adm. Michael Manazir has suggested that three of these UCAVs could fly with an F-35 for refueling and sensor operation. [8] Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker said that the MQ-25 can extend the Super Hornet's 450 nmi (520 mi; 830 km) unrefueled combat radius to beyond 700 nmi (810 mi; 1,300 km). The Navy's goal for the aircraft is to be able to deliver 15,000 lb (6,800 kg) of fuel total to 4 to 6 airplanes at a range of 500 nmi (580 mi; 930 km). [9] The Navy released the final MQ-25 Stingray request for proposals in October 2017 to Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics. [10]

Selection

Boeing secretly finished building its wing-body-tail in 2014 when the UCLASS program was paused, and revived it for the CBARS mission. [11] On 19 December 2017, Boeing unveiled its prototype aircraft entrant that incorporated lessons learned from the Boeing Phantom Ray flying wing and its other unmanned aerial systems. [12] Boeing's MQ-25 design is not new for the tanking mission, but Boeing says that was considered when designing it. [11]

General Atomics proposed their Sea Avenger concept which was enlarged from its Predator-C/Avenger for refueling, [13] while Lockheed Martin proposed their Sea Ghost concept based on the RQ-170 Sentinel. [14]

Northrop Grumman announced on 25 October 2017 that it was withdrawing its X-47B from the MQ-25 competition, saying the company would have been unable to execute the program under the terms of the service's request for proposals. [15] The company's departure signaled to some analysts that the Navy's requirements could favor wing-body-tail designs, not the flying wings thought to be proposed by Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. [12]

MQ-25 deck handling demonstration, 2018 Boeing MQ-25 Stingray.JPG
MQ-25 deck handling demonstration, 2018

On 30 August 2018, the U.S. Navy announced Boeing as the winner of the competition and awarded an $805 million development contract for four MQ-25A aircraft to be completed by August 2024. [1] An additional three test MQ-25As were ordered on 2 April 2020 for a current total order of seven. [16] The program may expand to $13 billion overall and consist of 72 aircraft. [17]

Flight testing

MQ-25 T1 Stingray test aircraft refuels F-35C, 2021 MQ-25 refuels F-35C.jpg
MQ-25 T1 Stingray test aircraft refuels F-35C, 2021

In late April 2019, the first MQ-25 test aircraft (T-1 or "Tail 1") was taken by road from Boeing's technical plant at St. Louis's Lambert International Airport across the Mississippi River to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, which is conjoined to Scott Air Force Base. [18] Following taxi tests, the Federal Aviation Administration certified the aircraft and granted airspace for flight testing. The MQ-25 took its first flight on 19 September 2019. [19]

In December 2020, Boeing released video showing the first flight of the MQ-25 with a Cobham aerial refueling store externally mounted. [20]

MQ-25 T1 Stingray test aircraft takes off, 2021 MQ-25 T1 Stingray test aircraft takes off.jpg
MQ-25 T1 Stingray test aircraft takes off, 2021
MQ-25 T1 on aboard USS George H.W. Bush 2021 MQ-25 moving into the hangar bay aboard the USS George H.W. Bush.jpg
MQ-25 T1 on aboard USS George H.W. Bush 2021

On 4 June 2021, the first refueling test was conducted, with the MQ-25 providing fuel to an F/A-18F Super Hornet. The MQ-25 originated at MidAmerica Airport in Mascoutah, Illinois, with support by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX-23. The mission lasted about 4.5 hours with the two aircraft performing numerous dry or wet connects for more than 10 minutes and 325 pounds of fuel transferred in total. [21] Further refueling tests were performed with E-2 and F-35C. [22]

Design

Boeing's MQ-25 design is powered by one Rolls-Royce AE 3007N turbofan engine delivering 10,000 lbf (44 kN) of thrust; this is a variant of the engine used to power the Navy's MQ-4C Triton. [23] [24] The aircraft is less stealthy than flying wing UAVs. It does feature a stealthy fuselage shaping, flush inlet to shield engine blades from radar, and a V-tail.

Operational history

As of 2020 the United States Navy planned to establish Unmanned Carrier Launched Multi-Role Squadron 10 (VUQ-10) in October 2021 with four aircraft. The new unit was to be based at Naval Base Ventura County (which includes Naval Air Station Point Mugu). [25] [26] [27]

Operators

Flag of the United States.svg United States

Specifications (MQ-25A)

Data from NAVAIR [29] and USN MQ-25A Basing Draft Environmental Assessment [30]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker</span> US military aerial refueling and transport aircraft

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an American military aerial refueling tanker aircraft that was developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype, alongside the Boeing 707 airliner. It has a narrower fuselage and is shorter than the 707. Boeing gave the aircraft the internal designation of Model 717. The KC-135 was the United States Air Force (USAF)'s first jet-powered refueling tanker and replaced the KC-97 Stratofreighter. The KC-135 was initially tasked with refueling strategic bombers, but it was used extensively in the Vietnam War and later conflicts such as Operation Desert Storm to extend the range and endurance of US tactical fighters and bombers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing X-45</span> Type of aircraft

The Boeing X-45 unmanned combat air vehicle is a concept demonstrator for a next generation of completely autonomous military aircraft, developed by Boeing's Phantom Works. Manufactured by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, the X-45 was a part of DARPA's J-UCAS project.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet</span> Series of carrier-based multirole combat aircraft

The Boeing F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet are a series of American supersonic twin-engine, carrier-capable, multirole fighter aircraft derived from the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, in service with the armed forces of the U.S., Australia, and Kuwait. The F/A-18E single-seat and F/A-18F tandem-seat variants are larger and more advanced versions of the F/A-18C and D Hornet, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton</span> Maritime version of RQ-4 Global Hawk

The Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton is an American high-altitude long endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed for and flown by the United States Navy as a surveillance aircraft. Together with its associated ground control station, it is an unmanned aircraft system (UAS). Developed under the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) program, the Triton is intended to provide real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions (ISR) over vast ocean and coastal regions, continuous maritime surveillance, conduct search and rescue missions, and to complement the Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Canadian Air Force</span> Air warfare and space branch of the Canadian Armed Forces

The Royal Canadian Air Force is the air and space force of Canada. Its role is to "provide the Canadian Forces with relevant, responsive and effective airpower". The RCAF is one of three environmental commands within the unified Canadian Armed Forces. As of 2020, the Royal Canadian Air Force consists of 12,074 Regular Force and 1,969 Primary Reserve personnel, supported by 1,518 civilians, and operates 258 manned aircraft and nine unmanned aerial vehicles. Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny is the current commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force and chief of the Air Force Staff.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout</span> 2000s American unmanned autonomous helicopter developed by Northrop Grumman

The Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout is an unmanned autonomous helicopter developed by Northrop Grumman for use by the United States Armed Forces. The Fire Scout is designed to provide reconnaissance, situational awareness, aerial fire support and precision targeting support for ground, air and sea forces. The initial RQ-8A version was based on the Schweizer 330, while the enhanced MQ-8B was derived from the Schweizer 333. The larger MQ-8C Fire Scout variant is based on the Bell 407.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northrop Grumman X-47B</span> Unmanned combat air vehicle demonstrator built by Northrop Grumman

The Northrop Grumman X-47B is a demonstration unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed for aircraft carrier-based operations. Developed by the American defense technology company Northrop Grumman, the X-47 project began as part of DARPA's J-UCAS program, and subsequently became part of the United States Navy's Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) program. The X-47B is a tailless jet-powered blended-wing-body aircraft capable of semi-autonomous operation and aerial refueling.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VX-23</span> Aviation unit of the United States Navy

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) is an aviation unit of the United States Navy based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, United States. The squadron was established on 22 July 1995. Using the tail code SD, the squadron operates multiple aircraft types of the United States Navy for test and evaluation purposes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger</span> Unmanned combat aircraft demonstrator built by General Atomics

The General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger is a developmental unmanned combat aerial vehicle built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for the U.S. military.

F/A-XX is a development and acquisition program for a future sixth-generation air superiority fighter to replace the United States Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and complement the F-35C beginning in the 2030s. A requirement was first identified in June 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing Phantom Ray</span> Stealth unmanned combat air vehicle

The Boeing Phantom Ray is an American demonstration stealth unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) developed by Boeing using company funds. The autonomous Phantom Ray is a flying wing around the size of a conventional fighter jet, and first flew in April 2011. It will conduct a program of test flights involving surveillance, ground attack and autonomous aerial refueling missions. The developers say it can carry 4,500 pounds of payload.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KQ-X</span> Autonomous Aerial Refueling Drone

KQ-X was a $33 million DARPA program awarded to Northrop Grumman on July 1, 2010. KQ-X investigated and developed autonomous aerial refueling techniques using two NASA Global Hawk high-altitude long endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lockheed Martin KC-130</span> Aerial refueling tanker based on Lockheed Martin C-130

The Lockheed MartinKC-130 is a family of the extended-range tanker version of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The KC-130J is the latest variant operated by the United States Marine Corps (USMC), with 48 delivered out of 79 ordered. It replaced older KC-130F, KC-130R, and KC-130T variants for aerial refueling. USMC reserve unit, VMGR-452 operated 12 KC-130T aircraft until May 2021; this was the last USMC reserve unit that operated the legacy KC-130s, completing the corps' transition to the more advanced Super Hercules.

The Lockheed Martin Sea Ghost was a proposal to fulfill the United States Navy's requirement for an Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike aircraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike</span> 2013–2016 United States Navy development program

The Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) was a United States Navy program to develop an autonomous carrier-based unmanned combat aerial vehicle providing an unmanned intelligence and strike asset to the fleet. After debate over whether the UCLASS should primarily focus on stealthy bombing or scouting, the Pentagon instead changed the program entirely into the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System (CBARS) to create a UAV for aerial refueling duties to extend the range of manned fighters, which led to the Boeing MQ-25 Stingray.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout</span> Unmanned Helicopter

The Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout is an unmanned helicopter developed by Northrop Grumman for use by the United States Navy. The MQ-8C also has autonomous take-off and landing capability. It is designed to provide reconnaissance, situational awareness, aerial fire support and precision targeting support for ground, air and sea forces. The MQ-8C airframe is based on the Bell 407, while the avionics and other systems are developed from those used on the MQ-8B Fire Scout. It first flew in October 2013 and achieved initial operational capability on 28 June 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat</span> Future UAV in development by Boeing Australia

The Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat, previously known as the Boeing Airpower Teaming System (ATS), is a Loyal Wingman class stealth, multirole, unmanned combat aerial vehicle in development by Boeing Australia for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It is designed as a force multiplier aircraft capable of flying alongside crewed aircraft for support as part of an integrated system including space-based capabilities, and performing autonomous missions independently using artificial intelligence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">General Atomics Mojave</span> Unmanned combat aerial vehicle

The General Atomics Mojave is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of short takeoff and landing (STOL), being developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. First unveiled on December 9, 2021, General Atomics states that it is to fulfil the roles of reconnaissance, close air support and armed overwatch.

References

  1. 1 2 LaGrone, Sam (30 August 2018). "Navy Picks Boeing to Build MQ-25A Stingray Carrier-Based Drone". U.S. Naval Institute. Archived from the original on 4 June 2023. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  2. 1 2 Freedberg Jr, Sydney J. (1 February 2016). "Good-Bye, UCLASS; Hello, Unmanned Tanker, More F-35Cs In 2017 Budget". Breaking Defense. Archived from the original on 4 December 2022.
  3. ↑ Cavas, Christopher P. (1 February 2016). "US Navy's Unmanned Jet Could Be a Tanker". Defense News. Archived from the original on 9 January 2024.
  4. ↑ LaGrone, Sam (9 February 2016). "Pentagon to Navy: Convert UCLASS Program Into Unmanned Aerial Tanker, Accelerate F-35 Development, Buy More Super Hornets". U.S. Naval Institute. Archived from the original on 26 September 2023.
  5. ↑ Osborn, Kris (24 October 2016). "Navy awards MQ-25 Stingray tanker deal". Defense Systems. Archived from the original on 21 October 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
  6. ↑ Trimble, Stephen (20 October 2016). "USN awards MQ-25 risk reduction contract to Northrop Grumman". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  7. ↑ LaGrone, Sam (15 July 2016). "It's Official: 'MQ-25A Stingray' U.S. Navy's Name For First Carrier UAV". U.S. Naval Institute. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  8. ↑ Whittle, Richard (22 March 2016). "Navy Refueling Drone May Tie Into F-35s". Breaking Defense. Archived from the original on 29 December 2022. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
  9. ↑ LaGrone, Sam (1 September 2017). "MQ-25 Stingray Unmanned Aerial Tanker Could Almost Double Strike Range of U.S. Carrier Air Wing". U.S. Naval Institute. Archived from the original on 16 May 2023.
  10. ↑ LaGrone, Sam (10 October 2017). "Navy Releases Final MQ-25 Stingray RFP; General Atomics Bid Revealed". U.S. Naval Institute. Archived from the original on 5 June 2023.
  11. 1 2 Rogoway, Tyler (13 March 2018). "We Finally See The Wings On Boeing's MQ-25 Drone As Details About Its Genesis Emerge". The Drive. Archived from the original on 27 December 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
  12. 1 2 Insinna, Valerie (20 December 2017). "Boeing offers sneak peek of MQ-25 tanker drone". Defense News. Archived from the original on 19 December 2017.
  13. ↑ Trevithick, Joseph (20 December 2017). "General Atomics is the first to show of its MQ-25 tanker drone". The Drive. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023.
  14. ↑ Majumdar, Dave (20 December 2017). "Lockheed reveals Sea Ghost concept for USN UCLASS programme". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 25 March 2020.
  15. ↑ Giangreco, Leigh (25 October 2017). "Northrop Grumman pulls out of MQ-25 competition". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  16. ↑ Donald, David (7 April 2020). "Navy Orders More Test Stingrays from Boeing". Aviation International News. Archived from the original on 10 April 2020.
  17. ↑ Insinna, Valerie; Larter, David B. (30 August 2018). "US Navy selects builder for new MQ-25 Stingray aerial refueling drone". Defense News. Archived from the original on 9 January 2024. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  18. ↑ Cone, Allen (1 May 2019). "Boeing's MQ-25 refueling drone moved to air base for flight testing". Space Daily. Archived from the original on 15 July 2023.
  19. ↑ D'Urso, Stefano (20 September 2019). "Boeing MQ-25 Stingray Carrier-Based Aerial Refueling Drone flies for the first time". The Aviationist. Archived from the original on 21 November 2023. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
  20. ↑ Sampson, Ben (17 December 2020). "Boeing MQ-25 aerial refueler makes first test flight with fuel store". Aerospace Testing International. Archived from the original on 10 June 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
  21. ↑ Eckstein, Megan (7 June 2021). "US Navy, Boeing conduct first-ever aerial refueling with unmanned tanker". Defense News. Archived from the original on 7 June 2021.
  22. ↑ Tyrrell, Michael (14 September 2021). "F-35 fighter refuelled in-flight by unmanned Boeing test aircraft - Aerospace Manufacturing". aero-mag.com. Archived from the original on 10 December 2022.
  23. ↑ "Rolls-Royce to power Boeing MQ-25 aircraft for US Navy". Rolls Royce. 6 September 2018.
  24. ↑ "Rolls-Royce to power Boeing MQ-25 aircraft for US Navy". Navy Recognition. Archived from the original on 6 October 2022.
  25. ↑ Trevithick, Joseph (5 October 2020). "Navy Establishes First Squadron To Operate Its Carrier-Based MQ-25 Stingray Tanker Drones". The Drive. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  26. ↑ Burgess, Richard R. (2 October 2020). "Navy to Establish First MQ-25 Stingray UAV Squadron in 2021". Seapower Magazine. Archived from the original on 27 June 2023.
  27. ↑ Burgess, Richard R. (2 August 2021). "Navy to Stand-Up 2 Fleet MQ-25 Squadrons to Deploy Detachments". Seapower Magazine. Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  28. ↑ "Two Stingray MQ-25 fleet squadrons to be established". Scramble - Dutch Aviation Society. 4 August 2021. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022.
  29. ↑ "MQ-25™ Stingray". NAVAIR. Retrieved 20 Sep 2021.
  30. ↑ "Home Basing of the MQ-25A Stingray Carrier-based Unmanned Air System" (PDF). US Department of Defense. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  31. ↑ "Rolls-Royce to power Boeing MQ-25 aircraft for US Navy". Rolls-Royce. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  32. ↑ "Selected Acquisition Report" (PDF). Washington Headquarters Services. Retrieved 20 Sep 2021.
  33. ↑ Reim, Garrett. "Boeing flies MQ-25 with aerial refuelling pod for first time". FlightGlobal. DVV Media International Ltd. Retrieved 22 March 2021.

Commons-logo.svg Media related to Boeing MQ-25 at Wikimedia Commons

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.