MQ-25 integration takes ‘early step forward’ in carrier test
A Boeing-owned MQ-25 Stingray conducts deck handling manouevres, including connecting to the catapult and clearing the landing area, aboard USS George H.W. Bush. (Photo: Boeing/Tim Reinhart)
A demonstration aboard USS George HW Bush saw a Boeing-owned MQ-25 move around on a carrier flight deck via a handheld remote control device.
Using a remote-controlled system, the USN and Boeing have successfully manoeuvred an MQ-25 Stingray test UAV on an aircraft carrier for the first time.
A demonstration aboard USS George H.W. Bush marked ‘an early step forward’ in ensuring the MQ-25 unmanned tanker aircraft will seamlessly integrate into carrier operations, Boeing announced on 20 December.
In the demonstration, a Boeing MQ-25 operator aboard the aircraft carrier commanded the UAV using a new handheld deck control device.
Manouevres included taxiing on the deck, connecting to the catapult, clearing the landing area and parking on the deck.
‘This is another significant step forward in demonstrating MQ-25’s integration into the Carrier Air Wing on the flight deck of our Fleet’s aircraft carriers,’ said Capt Chad Reed, USN programme manager for unmanned carrier aviation.
The deck handling demonstration on USS George H.W. Bush followed a two-year flight test campaign for the Boeing-owned T1 test aircraft. In this period, Boeing and the USN refuelled F/A-18 Super Hornet, E-2D Hawkeye and F-35C Lightning II carrier-based aircraft.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Leonardo showcases new AWHero developments at SeaFuture 2023]()
Leonardo showcases new AWHero developments at SeaFuture 2023
At SeaFuture 2023 in La Spezia, Italy, Leonardo showcased new AWHero rotary-wing UAS (RWUAS) developments, touting its maritime operations capabilities.
-
![Third order for German 2-in-1 drone for Ukraine]()
Third order for German 2-in-1 drone for Ukraine
On 31 May, Quantum Systems announced that the Ukrainian MoD had ordered 300 additional Vector drones under a third order that the German government is funding.
-
![US Army moves forward on future tactical UAS without AeroVironment]()
US Army moves forward on future tactical UAS without AeroVironment
AeroVironment has been dropped from the hunt to provide the US Army with a Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS), leaving Griffon Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, Sierra Nevada and Textron Systems in the running.
-
![Navantia, SAES and Perseo to jointly develop line of uncrewed underwater vehicles]()
Navantia, SAES and Perseo to jointly develop line of uncrewed underwater vehicles
At FEINDEF in Madrid, Navantia, SAES and Perseo announced an intention to develop a line of uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs).
-
![British Army eyes new small armed UAS capability]()
British Army eyes new small armed UAS capability
The UK MoD has released a request for information on small armed UAS which could be used by the British Army.
-
![General Atomics delivers first new build extended range MQ-9A to US Marine Corps]()
General Atomics delivers first new build extended range MQ-9A to US Marine Corps
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) has delivered the first new build MQ-9 Extended Range (ER) to the US Marine Corps (USMC).
