Boeing Delivers First MQ-25 Stingray Aerial Refueling Drone for Testing in the US Navy

Defense News ,U.S :- Boeing recently handed over the first MQ-25 Stingray aerial refueling drone to the US Navy for testing. The drone will undergo a thorough evaluation of its airframe integrity. This delivery comes after production delays, which pushed back the initial operational capability (IOC) of the carrier-based aircraft to 2026.

The IOC is crucial as it allows the low-rate production of the aircraft and approves it for limited operations. The US Department of Defense's Office of the Inspector General raised concerns about the Navy's initial plan to declare IOC without completing necessary developmental tests and evaluations.

Urgent Need to Assist F/A-18s

The MQ-25 is urgently required in the fleet to relieve F/A-18 fighters from their refueling duties and for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. With greater fuel carrying capacity and longer operational distances compared to the F/A-18, the MQ-25 will enhance the Navy's carrier-based aircraft range, reducing costs, and improving readiness. The Navy aims to deploy a fleet of 73 Stingray drones.

Key Specifications of MQ-25 Stingray Drone

The Boeing MQ-25 Stingray is an unmanned aerial refueling drone designed for the US Navy. Here are its key specifications:

• Primary Function: Aerial refueling
• Contractor: Boeing
• Propulsion: Rolls-Royce AE3007N turbofan engine
• Length: 51.0 ft (15.5 m)
• Wingspan: 75.0 ft (22.9 m) (wings spread), 31.3 ft (9.5 m) (wings folded)
• Height: 9.8 ft (3.0 m) (wings spread), 15.7 ft (4.8 m) (wings folded)
• Maximum Takeoff Weight: 72,000 lb (32,659 kg)
• Fuel Capacity: 15,000 lb (6,804 kg)
• Operational Range: 500 nm (926 km)
• Ferry Range: 1,500 nm (2,778 km)
• Service Ceiling: 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
• Endurance: 9 hours on station

The MQ-25 can deliver up to 15,000 pounds of fuel to various aircraft, including the F/A-18 Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, and F-35C Lightning II. It also has the capability to transport cargo and perform other missions. As the world's first operational carrier-based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the MQ-25 is expected to significantly enhance the Navy's carrier strike groups' operational range and flexibility.