Boeing and the U.S. Navy completed the first test flight of the operational MQ-25A Stingray unmanned refueling aircraft. The drone autonomously performed taxiing, takeoff, flight, and landing during the two-hour mission. Ground control station operators commanded the aircraft throughout the demonstration.
The MQ-25A program aims to extend the combat range of carrier air wings, including F/A-18 Super Hornets. This aircraft will assume the primary aerial refueling role for naval aviation. The flight marks a transition toward integrating unmanned systems into carrier-based operations.
This aircraft is the first of four Engineering Development Models produced for the Navy. Boeing is delivering these units under an initial $805 million contract. The program will move to Naval Air Station Patuxent River for carrier qualification preparations following further testing.