Boeing completes first MQ-25A drone flight, extending Navy combat range

Boeing and the U.S. Navy completed the first two-hour test flight of the MQ-25A Stingray. The flight occurred at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. The unmanned aircraft autonomously performed taxiing, takeoff, and landing while responding to ground control.

The MQ-25A Stingray will extend the combat range of carrier air wings, including F/A-18 Super Hornets. This flight validates core navigation systems and moves the program toward carrier qualifications.

Boeing will deliver four Engineering Development Model units to the Navy. The initial contract for these units is valued at $805 million. Testing will eventually transition to Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland to prepare for sea trials.