US Navy MQ-25 completes first E-2D aerial refuelling flight
The MQ-25 Stingray refuels to a E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (Photo: Boeing)
NAVAIR has announced more test success for the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned refueller.
The US Navy (USN) has successfully completed a first refuelling flight between the MQ-25 Stingray test asset, T1, and an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
The flight, which lasted six hours and took place at MidAmerica Airport in Mascoutah, Illinois, saw the UAV transfer fuel to the AEW&C aircraft and USN pilots from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Zero (VX) 20 approach T1, perform formation evaluations, wake surveys, drogue tracking and plugs with the MQ-25 at 220kts, according to a 19 August NAVAIR news release.
‘This test allows the program to analyze the aerodynamic interaction of the two aircraft,’ noted the release.
‘The [programme] team can then determine if any adjustments to guidance and control are required and make those software updates early, with no impact to the developmental test schedule.’
The E-2D refuelling test follows on from the MQ-25 refuelling a F/A-18 Super Hornet on 7 June 2021.
Future MQ-25 test plans include envelope expansion, engine testing and deck handling demonstrations aboard an USN aircraft carrier, ahead of MQ-25 EMD aircraft being delivered in 2022.
NAVAIR also explained that, the ‘Stingray’s ‘persistent mission tanking coupled with the E-2D’s aerial refueling capability will transform the Hawkeye from an over-the-horizon airborne early warning platform limited to shorter missions in the carrier environment, to an asset capable of providing comprehensive battle management for extended periods from anywhere within the battlespace’.
The USN expects to stand up Unmanned Carrier-Launched Multi Role Squadron (VUQ) 10, ‘later this year’ before two MQ-25A squadrons, VUQ-11 and 12 are stood up thereafter.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
MQ-25 Stingray (Contracted) [USA]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Jammer resistant drone designs spark search for countermeasures]()
Jammer resistant drone designs spark search for countermeasures
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has driven another stage of evolution for drones and the counter measures to defend against them.
-
![L3Harris launches Amorphous software for control of uncrewed platforms]()
L3Harris launches Amorphous software for control of uncrewed platforms
The new Amorphous software is a universal controller that would allow a single operator to control a swarm of “thousands” of uncrewed systems, from drones to underwater platforms.
-
![ideaForge unveils new UAVs at Aero India 2025]()
ideaForge unveils new UAVs at Aero India 2025
India UAV supplier ideaForge has launched the Netra 5 and Switch V2 drones at Aero India 2025, boasting of enhanced endurance, AI-driven autonomy and improved operational capabilities.
-
![Shaping the future of defence: What 2025 holds for the global drone market]()
Shaping the future of defence: What 2025 holds for the global drone market
The UAV market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with innovations in technology and battlefield applications driving demand across military sectors. From the battlefields of Ukraine to NATO exercises and beyond, drones are transforming how wars are fought and supported.
-
![Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system]()
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system
Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
