// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
MQ-25 Stingray
The MQ-25 Stingray is an unmanned aerial refueling drone developed for the U.S. Navy. Its primary mission is to extend the range and endurance of carrier-based fighter jets by providing fuel in mid-air.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The MQ-25 Stingray is a carrier-based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Boeing for the U.S. Navy, primarily designed to provide aerial refueling (tanking) capabilities to combat aircraft, thereby extending the range and endurance of the carrier air wing, and also includes limited intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) functions. This autonomous aerial tanker offloads buddy-tanking missions from F/A-18 Super Hornets, improving overall operational readiness and striking power for naval aviation.
BACKGROUND
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. On 30 August 2018, the United States Navy announced Boeing's MQ-25 was the winning selection of the CBARS selection competition. The MQ-25 first flew on 19 September 2019.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- MQ-25
- Stingray
- Aerial refueling drone
- Carrier-based tanker UAV
- Unmanned tanker
- Navy refueling drone
USAGE NOTE
The MQ-25 is crucial for enhancing the operational reach and effectiveness of naval aviation by offloading the tanking mission from manned fighters.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to MQ-25 Stingray.
Prime contractor responsible for the design, development, and production of the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial refueler for the U.S. Navy.
Provides the F414 turbofan engines that power the MQ-25 Stingray aircraft.
Manufactures key airframe components and assemblies for the MQ-25 Stingray program.
Supplies critical aerostructure components for the MQ-25 Stingray, including the fuselage and wing elements.
Develops advanced sensors, mission systems, and electronic warfare capabilities that are crucial for modern naval aviation and unmanned platforms like the MQ-25.
Provides integrated mission systems, communication solutions, and avionics essential for the command, control, and secure operation of advanced unmanned aircraft.
The primary customer and end-user, actively involved in defining requirements, conducting testing, and integrating the MQ-25 Stingray into carrier air wing operations.