US aerial refueling drone Boeing MQ-25A Stingray completes initial taxi tests
The Boeing MQ-25A Stingray drone is intended to make aerial refueling safer. The drone is scheduled to make its maiden flight in 2026.
The ground crew prepares the MQ-25A Stingray for taxi tests.
(Image: Boeing)
The US aerial refueling drone MQ-25A Stingray, built by Boeing, has completed initial taxi tests at MidAmerica Airport near St. Louis in the US state of Missouri, marking a first step towards its maiden flight. The unmanned drone, designed for the US Navy and intended to refuel aircraft in flight, was originally scheduled to take off in 2025. However, the aircraft still had to undergo a series of technical tests, leading to delays.
The MQ-25A is approximately 15.5 m long and has a wingspan of 22.9 m. It is powered by a Rolls-Royce AE 3007N engine. Manufacturer Boeing remains silent on the maximum speed and other technical data. However, the aerial refueling drone is expected to have stealth capabilities and foldable wings. The latter makes it fit for deployment on aircraft carriers, from which it will take off and refuel, for example, fighter jets and later unmanned drones. For this purpose, the Stingray is equipped with internal and external tanks under its wings. The total fuel capacity is around 6.8 tons of kerosene. It will replace the manned tanker aircraft Boeing F7A-18E/F Super Hornet.
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The beginnings of the MQ-25A Stingray date back several years. Initially, a demonstration drone, the T1, was developed, which demonstrated aerial refueling in 2021. At that time, Super Hornet, E-2 Hawkeye, and F-35C aircraft were refueled in the air via a hose with a drogue.
Maiden flight planned for 2026
Now, an MQ-25A Stingray has initiated and conducted its first taxi tests at MidAmerica Airport from a ground station. Further ground tests, to be carried out by specialists from Boeing and the U.S. Navy Air Test and Evaluation Squadrons VX-23 and UX-24, are to follow as soon as weather conditions permit. Following the successfully completed ground tests, initial flight tests are planned. They could take place as early as 2026.
The T1 demonstration version during aerial refueling of an F-18.
(Image:Â Boeing/Kevin Flynn)
However, the drone is not only suitable for aerial refueling. The Navy also intends to use it for reconnaissance flights. Corresponding electro-optical sensors are housed in the nose of the aircraft for this purpose.
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In the long term, the U.S. Navy plans to acquire 76 MQ-25A Stingrays. Operational readiness for the drone system is targeted for 2027.
(olb)
