Mascoutah, Illinois : The U.S. Navy’s first production-representative MQ-25A Stingray uncrewed aerial refueling aircraft has completed its initial low-speed taxi test, marking a key milestone as the program transitions from development testing toward operational flight certification.
The test was conducted at Boeing’s MQ-25 production facility at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport near Mascoutah. Video released by Boeing showed the aircraft moving under its own power and executing planned ground maneuvers, confirming the completion of a critical phase of ground testing required before first flight.
Ground Testing and Navy Participation
According to the U.S. Navy, personnel from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX-23 and the uncrewed aviation unit UX-24 participated in the event. Taxi testing is intended to validate braking performance, steering response, propulsion behavior, and overall ground-handling characteristics prior to flight clearance.
During the test, the MQ-25A operated without a pilot on board. Boeing stated that Air Vehicle Pilots controlled the aircraft from the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System, issuing commands that allowed the aircraft to autonomously taxi from the production facility to the active taxiway and perform a sequence of turns, stops, and alignment checks. The event marked the first time a production-standard MQ-25A executed these maneuvers as an integrated system.
Transition From Prototype to Operational Aircraft
Unlike earlier demonstrations conducted with the T1 test aircraft, the taxi test involved the first production-representative MQ-25A airframe intended for eventual carrier deployment. Navy officials consider this transition significant because it validates that the operational configuration meets handling and control requirements at the ground level.
The MQ-25A is the U.S. Navy’s first operational carrier-based uncrewed aircraft and is designed primarily to provide organic aerial refueling to the carrier air wing. The aircraft is powered by a Rolls-Royce AE 3007N turbofan engine and is optimized for endurance and fuel efficiency. Navy planning documents indicate that the MQ-25A is expected to offload more than 15,000 pounds (approximately 6,800 kilograms) of fuel at a range of about 500 nautical miles.
Role in Carrier Air Wing Operations
The introduction of the MQ-25A is intended to reduce reliance on F/A-18E/F Super Hornets for buddy-tanking missions, a task that has historically consumed a significant portion of carrier-based fighter flight hours. By transferring the aerial refueling mission to an uncrewed platform, the Navy expects to increase the availability of manned fighters for strike, escort, and air defense roles, while also reducing airframe fatigue on those aircraft.
The extended range provided by the MQ-25A is expected to enhance the operational reach of carrier-based platforms, including the F-35C Lightning II and the F/A-18 Super Hornet, in scenarios involving long-range operations and distributed maritime forces.
Program Background and Development
The MQ-25 program emerged from a broader reassessment of carrier aviation requirements during the mid-2010s, when Navy analysis identified organic aerial refueling as a critical capability gap. In August 2018, Boeing was awarded the Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract for the MQ-25, defeating competing proposals from General Atomics and Lockheed Martin. The initial contract, valued at approximately USD 805 million, covered four development aircraft, ground control systems, and associated support equipment.
Subsequent contract actions led to low-rate initial production and the establishment of a dedicated MQ-25 production line in Illinois. The aircraft that completed the taxi test represents the first example of this production configuration.
Future Testing and Operational Integration
With taxi testing complete, the program is expected to progress toward first flight of the production-representative MQ-25A later this year, pending final ground evaluations and safety approvals. Following initial flight testing, the aircraft will enter a broader test campaign focused on carrier integration, including deck handling, launch and recovery procedures, and compatibility with carrier operations.
The Navy plans to acquire more than 70 MQ-25A aircraft, with the goal of integrating them into every carrier air wing. Beyond aerial refueling, Navy officials have indicated that the platform’s autonomy and communications architecture could support future secondary missions, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support, airborne communications relay, and battlespace sensing, once routine carrier operations are established.
The successful completion of the initial taxi test positions the MQ-25A Stingray as the Navy moves closer to fielding its first operational uncrewed aircraft aboard U.S. aircraft carriers.
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