Boeing MQ-25A Unmanned Tanker Completes Initial Flight Test
The MQ-25A Stingray unmanned tanker conducted its first flight test on April 25, 2026, a year behind schedule. This milestone is crucial for enhancing naval aviation capabilities, allowing for mid-air refueling of fighter jets and extending operational range.
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On April 25, 2026, Boeing's MQ-25A Stingray successfully completed its inaugural flight test, lasting approximately two hours at an altitude of 10,000 feet. This unmanned aerial refueling drone, powered by a Rolls-Royce AE 3007N engine, is intended to replace F/A-18EF Super Hornets for aerial refueling, enabling them to focus on strike missions.
The aircraft is part of a broader initiative, with the Navy planning to procure 76 MQ-25s under an $805 million contract awarded in 2018. Future test flights will occur at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport before transitioning to Naval Air Station Patuxent River for carrier qualifications. This development is a significant step towards integrating unmanned systems into the carrier air wing, potentially reshaping naval combat strategies.
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