Boeing and U.S. Navy Complete First Flight of MQ-25A Stingray
The successful first test flight of the MQ-25A Stingray on April 25 marks a critical step toward operational capability on aircraft carriers, enhancing naval aviation with unmanned aerial refueling technology.

On April 25, Boeing and the U.S. Navy conducted the inaugural test flight of the MQ-25A Stingray, a significant milestone in the program aimed at integrating unmanned aerial systems on aircraft carriers.
The two-hour flight validated the aircraft's autonomous capabilities, including taxiing, takeoff, navigation, and landing, while responding to commands from the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System MD-5 at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.
The MQ-25A, part of a $805 million contract for four Engineering Development Models, will enhance the operational range of carrier-based aircraft, allowing fighters like the F/A-18 Super Hornet to focus on combat missions rather than refueling tasks. This advancement positions the Navy for greater operational flexibility and extends the reach of its air operations.




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