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US Navy advances unmanned capabilities with Boeing's MQ-25 Stingray

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US Navy advances unmanned capabilities with Boeing's MQ-25 Stingray
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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

The United States Navy is advancing its unmanned aerial systems with the MQ-25 Stingray drone, developed by Boeing. This development is part of the Unmanned Carrier Aviation program, which includes the MQ-25 Air System and the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System (UMCS) for carrier integration and command control.

The MQ-25 has successfully completed sea trials, demonstrating its ability to support Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) in various roles globally. Its primary mission is aerial refueling (AR), which extends the operational range of manned aircraft from the carrier air wing. The drone has been launched and recovered from a US Navy aircraft carrier and has provided AR to a Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

According to the US Navy Fact File, "the MQ-25A is described as providing vital airborne refueling support to enhance the reach and effectiveness of the carrier air wing." This function allows CVW platforms to remain airborne longer, increasing operational flexibility. Using a drone for refueling reduces reliance on manned tanker aircraft, freeing them for other missions while offering cost-effective solutions.

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Boeing Defense notes that "the MQ-25 is designed to support a range of missions," including surveillance and reconnaissance, beyond its original AR mission. It offers real-time intelligence gathering for CSG leadership in combat information centers through state-of-the-art avionics and data networking systems.

NAVSEA’s Unmanned Carrier Aviation highlights that "intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms are indispensable for informed decision-making during modern-day maritime operations." The Stingray's autonomous operation mitigates risks to manned aircraft and supports sustained operations without human fatigue concerns.

The baseline specifications for the Boeing MQ-25 Stingray include Rolls-Royce AE3700N propulsion, a length of 51 feet, wingspan variations between 75 feet when spread and 31.3 feet when folded, with respective heights of 9.8 feet and 15.7 feet.

Deploying the MQ-25 Stingray enhances both offensive and defensive capabilities within CSGs. As TWZ Defense suggests, it could potentially be equipped with stealthy anti-ship missiles. This addition could allow engagement with surface threats without risking manned aircraft while maintaining continuous ISR capabilities.

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