Regan Brown
The MQ-25 Stingray is an aerial refuelling drone developed by Boeing for the US Navy. It is the Navy's first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft, with a primary mission of extending the range of the carrier air wing by providing unmanned aerial refuelling capabilities. The MQ-25 is designed to carry 15,000 pounds of fuel and refuel fighter jets such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, and F-35C. The development and integration of the MQ-25 into the Navy's fleet is expected to significantly enhance their capabilities and reduce the need for human-operated refuelling missions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | MQ-25 Stingray |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Type | Aerial Refueling Drone |
| Engine | Rolls-Royce AE 3007N turbofan engine |
| Thrust | 10,000 lbf (44 kN) |
| Range | 500 nautical miles |
| Fuel Capacity | 15,000 pounds |
| Fuel Transferred | 325 pounds |
| Contract Value | $805 million |
| Number of Aircraft | 7 |
| Total Order Value | $13 billion |
| Number of Prototypes | 4 |
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What You'll Learn
The MQ-25 can carry 15,000 pounds of fuel
The MQ-25 Stingray is an aerial refuelling drone that can carry 15,000 pounds of fuel. The drone was developed by Boeing to meet the US Navy's refuelling requirements and to extend the range of the carrier air wing. The MQ-25 is designed to operate from aircraft carriers, with a primary mission of providing unmanned aerial refuelling capabilities to other aircraft.
The ability of the MQ-25 to carry 15,000 pounds of fuel is a significant advantage for the US Navy. This fuel load is 50% greater than the minimum figure provided by the Navy in 2016. The drone has a range of around 500 nautical miles and can deliver fuel to 4 to 6 airplanes. This capability allows the MQ-25 to extend the combat radius of fighter jets such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, and F-35C Lightning II.
The development and integration of the MQ-25 into the Navy's carrier air wing demonstrate the Navy's commitment to utilising unmanned aircraft systems and reducing the human risk factor in refuelling missions. The MQ-25 is a key element in the Navy's unmanned campaign plan, which aims to integrate unmanned assets across the fleet. The drone's refuelling capabilities were successfully tested in 2020, with the MQ-25 transferring 325 pounds of fuel to a Super Hornet during a four-hour flight.
The MQ-25's design and capabilities address the Navy's need for an organic refuelling aircraft. The drone frees up Super Hornets that would otherwise be dedicated to refuelling missions, allowing them to be utilised more efficiently and cost-effectively. The MQ-25 also enhances the range and endurance of the carrier air wing, enabling the Navy to conduct operations over a larger area and for extended periods.
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It can deliver fuel to 4-6 aircraft
The MQ-25 Stingray is an aerial refuelling drone that can deliver fuel to 4-6 aircraft. It has a range of around 500 nautical miles and can carry up to 15,000 pounds of fuel. The MQ-25 is designed to operate from aircraft carriers and extend the range of the carrier air wing by providing unmanned aerial refuelling capabilities.
The development of the MQ-25 addresses the Navy's need for an organic refuelling aircraft, freeing up Super Hornets that were previously dedicated to this task. The MQ-25's ability to provide aerial refuelling will extend the combat range of deployed aircraft such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, and F-35C fighter jets.
The MQ-25 Stingray is powered by a Rolls-Royce AE 3007N turbofan engine, delivering 10,000 lbf of thrust. It features a stealthy fuselage shaping, a flush inlet to shield engine blades from radar, and a V-tail. The MQ-25 first flew in September 2019 and successfully refuelled three carrier-based aircraft in a test in 2021.
The development and testing of the MQ-25 Stingray involved multiple companies, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics. The final contract was awarded to Boeing, and the company is expected to deliver the first MQ-25s by 2024. The MQ-25 will enhance the capabilities of the US Navy by extending the range and endurance of its carrier-based aircraft.
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The Cobham pod can hold 300 gallons of fuel
The Cobham pod, which is used by the MQ-25, can hold up to 300 gallons of fuel. The MQ-25 Stingray is an aerial refuelling drone developed by Boeing for the US Navy. The drone's primary mission is to extend the range of the carrier air wing by providing unmanned aerial refuelling capabilities. The MQ-25 is the Navy's first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft.
The MQ-25's Cobham pod is a key component of its refuelling system, which also includes a probe-and-drogue mechanism to connect to other aircraft. The pod's capacity of 300 gallons contributes to the MQ-25's overall fuel load, which is designed to extend the range of carrier-based fighter jets.
The development of the MQ-25's refuelling capabilities has been a significant focus of the program. The Navy's goal is for the MQ-25 to deliver approximately 15,000 pounds (over 2,200 gallons) of fuel to multiple aircraft at a range of 500 nautical miles. This capability is intended to relieve the Navy's fleet of Super Hornets that have been dedicated to refuelling duties for embarked carrier air wings.
The MQ-25's refuelling system underwent testing in 2020 and 2021, with the prototype T1 MQ-25 successfully transferring fuel to a Super Hornet during flight. The T1 MQ-25 was also used to evaluate the aircraft's deck handling system, with tests confirming its functionality and handling qualities.
The MQ-25 program is expected to cost around $13 billion for 72 aircraft, with Boeing contracted to deliver the first four MQ-25As by 2024. The MQ-25 will be a key component of the Navy's unmanned campaign plan, integrating unmanned aerial, surface, and undersea platforms into a holistic force.
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The MQ-25's primary mission is to extend the range of the carrier air wing
The MQ-25 Stingray is an aerial refuelling drone that can carry 15,000 pounds of fuel. The drone's primary mission is to extend the range of the carrier air wing by providing unmanned aerial refuelling capabilities. This will extend the combat range of deployed aircraft such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, and F-35C fighter jets.
The MQ-25 is designed to operate from aircraft carriers and will be the first drone to refuel fighter jets in flight. It will have a range of around 500 nautical miles and will be able to deliver fuel to 4 to 6 airplanes. The drone is powered by a Rolls-Royce AE 3007N turbofan engine delivering 10,000 lbf of thrust. This engine is a variant of the one used to power the Navy's MQ-4C Triton.
The development of the MQ-25 addresses the Navy's need for an organic refuelling aircraft, freeing up Super Hornets that were previously performing this mission. The MQ-25 will also have the secondary mission of gathering intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data.
The MQ-25 program has undergone several changes since its inception, including a shift in focus from long-range strike and reconnaissance to tanking. The final MQ-25 Stingray request for proposals was released in October 2017, and Boeing was awarded the contract to develop the drone in 2018. The company expects to deliver the first MQ-25As by 2024.
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The MQ-25 is the first drone to refuel fighter jets in flight
The MQ-25 Stingray is an aerial refuelling drone developed by Boeing for the US Navy. It is the Navy's first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft, designed to take off from aircraft carriers and refuel fighter jets in flight. The MQ-25's primary mission is to extend the range of the carrier air wing by providing unmanned aerial refuelling capabilities.
The MQ-25 has a range of around 500 nautical miles and can carry up to 15,000 pounds of fuel. It is designed to refuel fighter jets such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, and F-35C Lightning II. The development of the MQ-25 addresses the Navy's need for an organic refuelling aircraft, freeing up Super Hornets that were previously dedicated to refuelling missions.
The MQ-25 program has undergone several iterations, with the initial concept being a low-observable, long-range unmanned strike aircraft. However, the focus shifted to creating an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)-oriented aircraft that could be developed quickly for counter-terrorism missions. The MQ-25 design features a stealthy fuselage shaping, a flush inlet to shield engine blades from radar, and a V-tail.
Boeing was awarded an \$805 million contract in 2018 to develop the first four MQ-25A Stingrays, with an additional three ordered in 2020. The MQ-25A is expected to be a key element in the Navy's unmanned campaign plan, integrating unmanned aerial, surface, and undersea platforms. The MQ-25 T1 prototype successfully refuelled a Super Hornet in 2021, marking a significant milestone in the development of the program.
The MQ-25 system requires ship-based control stations to launch and control the aircraft and transfer data. Modifications to carriers will be made to accommodate the MQ-25, including the installation of control and connectivity systems. The Navy plans to declare an initial operating capability (IOC) for the MQ-25A by 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
The MQ-25 Stingray has a fuel capacity of 15,000 pounds.
The MQ-25 is an aerial refueling drone that extends the range of the carrier air wing.
The MQ-25 has a range of 500 nautical miles.
