“Historic Milestone: U.S. Navy and Boeing Achieve MQ-25 Refueling Breakthrough with E-2D”

The United States Navy and Boeing [NYSE: BA] have successfully executed a secondary unmanned refueling operation utilizing the Boeing-owned MQ-25^TM T1 test platform, this time providing fuel to a Navy E-2D Hawkeye command and control aircraft.

On August 18, during a trial flight from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, pilots from the Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX-20 performed a fruitful wake survey behind the MQ-25 T1 to ascertain performance and stability prior to connecting with T1’s aerial refueling drogue. The E-2D received fuel from T1’s refueling system during this operation.

“Upon becoming operational, the MQ-25 will refuel every compatible platform, including the E-2,” stated Capt. Chad Reed, the Navy’s Unmanned Carrier Aviation program manager. “This flight keeps us on a swift path to deploying the Stingray to the fleet, where its refueling capabilities will significantly enhance the range and operational versatility of the carrier air wing and strike group.”

The MQ-25 Stingray^TM is slated to be integrated into the carrier airborne early warning squadron within the carrier air wing, which currently utilizes the E-2 C/D aircraft – recognized as the “digital quarterback” of the fleet for its vital role in joint battle management and command and control.

“It was yet another exceptional flight demonstrating that our MQ-25 design is meeting expectations,” commented Dave Bujold, Boeing’s MQ-25 program director. “These groundbreaking refueling missions yield a wealth of data that we incorporate back into the MQ-25 digital models, ensuring the aircraft we develop will be a game-changer for the Navy’s carrier air wing.”

This marks the second aerial refueling operation the MQ-25 team has undertaken this summer. On June 4, the MQ-25 T1 test asset achieved the distinction of being the first unmanned vehicle to refuel another aircraft, a U.S. Navy Super Hornet. Both missions were executed at tactically relevant speeds and altitudes, with the E-2D and F/A-18 conducting maneuvers in close proximity to T1.

Boeing is presently fabricating the first two of seven MQ-25 test aircraft along with two ground test articles that are currently under contract. The Boeing-owned MQ-25 T1 test asset serves as a precursor to these upcoming aircraft. The MQ-25 is utilizing advancements in model-based digital engineering and design, with ongoing flights aimed at evaluating aircraft design and performance significantly earlier than conventional programs.