Stingray set for carrier test
The MQ-25 Stingray performed the first-ever UAV refuelling of a manned aircraft in June 2021. (Photo: Boeing)
If it stays on track for IOC in 2025, the Stingray unmanned refuelling aircraft will have gone from contract to carrier in under seven years.
The MQ-25A Stingray unmanned tanker aircraft for the USN is moving towards IOC in 2025, CAPT Chad Reed, PMA-268 programme manager at Naval Air Systems Command, said on 2 August during a briefing at the Navy League Sea-Air-Space conference.
Reed said that the high-priority programme reflects the ‘vital importance’ of fielding Stingray ‘as soon as possible as an accelerated acquisition programme’.
If the IOC schedule holds, it would mean that the Stingray programme goes ‘from contract to carrier’ in six and a half years, he added.
Boeing is building seven MQ-25A UAVs (four for engineering development and three for system
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Embraer sees 27% uptick in Q3 defence revenue, progress in NATO and India campaigns]()
Embraer sees 27% uptick in Q3 defence revenue, progress in NATO and India campaigns
The company also affirmed that it would maintain its current trajectory and remain “on track” for its full-year guidance.
-
![Indonesia receives first A400M, considers four more aircraft]()
Indonesia receives first A400M, considers four more aircraft
The A400M aircraft that has been delivered was first ordered in 2021 with a second aircraft due to arrive next year.
-
![Italy moves to procure third batch of 29 AW249 helicopters]()
Italy moves to procure third batch of 29 AW249 helicopters
The €1.22 billion (US$1.41 billion) follow-on order for the additional helicopters will complement the 19 AW249 already ordered by Italy.
