The US Navy has announced that the MQ-25A Stingray unmanned tanker secured Milestone C approval, advancing it to begin low-rate initial production.
The US Navy has announced that the MQ-25A Stingray unmanned tanker secured Milestone C approval, advancing it to begin low-rate initial production.
An initial production contract for three Stingray drones is expected this summer, with additional options to build three more in the second batch and five more in the third batch.
It comes after the MQ-25A completed its maiden flight in April, where it flew autonomously for two hours and executed a mission plan.
“MQ‑25A will provide persistent aerial refueling and unlock greater capacity across the air wing, ensuring our carrier strike groups remain lethal, flexible, and forward‑ready,” said Vice Adm. John E. Dougherty IV, Portfolio Acquisition Executive Aviation.
Unmanned Tanker
The MQ-25A Stingray is the first drone tanker designed to fully operate from an aircraft carrier, making it a test case for future carrier-based unmanned aircraft.
Measuring roughly 51 feet (15.5 meters) long and 15 feet (4.6 meters) tall with a 75-foot (23 meters) wingspan, the drone is expected to relieve F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft from aerial refueling duties to enable the fighter jet to focus on strike missions.
Powered by a Rolls-Royce AE 3007N turbofan engine, the unmanned tanker has a maximum takeoff weight of around 44,000 pounds (20,000 kilograms).
The drone is designed to operate with F/A‑18 Super Hornets, E‑2D Hawkeyes, and F‑35C Lightning IIs.
Beyond refueling, it can also be used to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
Part of an $805-million US Navy contract awarded to Boeing in 2018, the unmanned tanker was originally scheduled for initial operating capability (IOC) in 2024.
The IOC was pushed to 2029 following delays due to several reasons, including manufacturing issues and carrier availability, according to USNI News.
