Quantcast

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

Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
US Navy advances unmanned capabilities with Boeing's MQ-25 Stingray
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
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.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

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.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

United Airlines has announced the issuance of travel waivers for passengers whose flights were affected by closures at London Heathrow Airport.

Apr 2, 2025

ITA Airways announced that flight AZ806 managed to land safely after a brief hold due to nearby missile activity.

Apr 2, 2025

EVA Air has announced the reinstatement of its Premium Economy Class on the Seattle route, with three weekly flights scheduled from March 8 through July 27.

Apr 2, 2025

Emirates Airlines has announced the launch of a new door-to-door delivery service called 'Very Important Parcels' (VIPs), promising the same level of care as provided to its passengers.

Apr 2, 2025

Cargolux has announced the transportation of two lions, Tsar and Jamil, from captivity in Ukraine to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa.

Apr 2, 2025

Hainan Airlines announced that its Beijing–Oslo flight HU769 landed successfully in Norway.

Apr 2, 2025