Boeing MQ-25 Stingray: drone tanker

The MQ-25 Stingray marks a significant milestone for the US Navy as it introduces its first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft system. This advanced UAS is designed to operate similarly to crewed fighters and is capable of autonomous launching and recovery from aircraft carriers, showcasing cutting-edge flight control algorithms and planning software. The primary role of the MQ-25 is aerial refuelling of fighter aircraft at sea, a task currently performed by F/A-18 Super Hornets. Notably, the MQ-25 has successfully refueled various aircraft, including the F/A-18, F-35C, and Northrop Grumman E-2D Hawkeye.
In addition to its tanker capabilities, the MQ-25 is set to undertake intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, contributing to data sharing among aircraft, naval vessels, and ground forces. The ongoing development and testing of the MQ-25, including deck handling tests on the USS George H W Bush Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, illustrate the Navy's commitment to integrating this state-of-the-art UAS into its operations.

Looking ahead, the US Navy plans to achieve initial operational capability with a fleet of 13 MQ-25 aircraft by the second half of 2026. The procurement schedule outlines gradual annual deliveries until 2027, with a projected increase in the annual procurement starting in 2028. This strategic plan aims to enhance the Navy's operational capabilities and address the shortage of available combat aircraft while reducing strain on existing aircraft, such as the Super Hornet.

The development of an aircraft carrier-based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) by the United States Navy began in 2006 with the original concept aimed at creating a stealthy strike platform capable of penetrating enemy air defences. However, after facing delays and discussions regarding the UAV's specialization in either strike or intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles, a significant shift was reported on February 1, 2016.

It was revealed that priority would be given to producing a carrier-based aerial refuelling tanker, known as the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System (CBARS), which would be similar in size to the Super Hornet. The primary focus of the CBARS would be aerial refuelling, with additional capabilities for ISR and communication relay, while strike capabilities would be deferred to a future variant.
This program change was initiated by the Pentagon to address the anticipated fighter shortfall within the Navy. As a result, funds were directed towards the procurement of more F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and an accelerated purchase of the F-35C. The decision to prioritize the CBARS as the initial carrier-based UAV was seen as a strategic move, providing a less complex transition to the future F/A-XX, in the event it would be an unmanned strike platform.

History

The United States Navy began developing an aircraft carrier-based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in 2006. The initial concept aimed to create a stealthy strike platform capable of penetrating enemy air defences. However, there were delays and discussions regarding the UAV's role in either strike or intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). On February 1, 2016, a significant shift was reported. The priority was to produce a carrier-based aerial refuelling tanker called the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System (CBARS).

Design

In 2006, the United States Navy initiated the development of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for aircraft carriers. Initially, the focus was on creating a stealthy strike platform capable of penetrating enemy air defences. However, discussions arose about the UAV's role in either strike missions or intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). On February 1, 2016, a significant shift was reported as the priority shifted to producing a carrier-based aerial refuelling tanker known as the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System (CBARS).

It would be similar in size to the Super Hornet and would focus on aerial refuelling, with additional capabilities for ISR and communication relay. The decision to prioritize the CBARS was a strategic move by the Pentagon to address the expected fighter shortfall within the Navy. This change led to funds being directed towards the procurement of more F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and an accelerated purchase of the F-35C. The goal of prioritizing the CBARS was to provide a less complex transition to the future F/A-XX, in case it would be an unmanned strike platform.

Operational history

In 2020, the U.S. Navy announced plans to establish Unmanned Carrier Launched Multi-Role Squadron 10 (VUQ-10) at Naval Base Ventura County, including Naval Air Station Point Mugu, with four aircraft. VUQ-10 was established as the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) for the MQ-25 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, starting on October 1, 2022. The squadron is responsible for testing and developing maintenance and operational procedures for the MQ-25. It is anticipated that the unit will eventually relocate to Naval Air Station Point Mugu at Naval Base Ventura County.

Developments

In recent news, after Boeing delivered the first MQ-25 Stingray to the Navy in February for testing, Rear Adm. Stephen Tedford, program executive officer for unmanned aviation and strike weapons, announced that the Navy is on schedule for the first flight test with the platform in spring 2025. He also confirmed that the Navy remains on track to achieve initial operational capability with the future carrier-based unmanned tanker by the end of fiscal year 2026.

Tedford provided additional details about the MQ-25 Stingray, emphasizing its size and capabilities. He highlighted that the MQ-25 aims to replace F/A-18E/F Super Hornets in refuelling roles, potentially freeing up more F/A-18s for combat use. Tedford also mentioned that the upcoming flight test with the first MQ-25 test article will take place at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland.

Furthermore, Boeing indicated that the MQ-25 will undergo a rigorous airframe integrity evaluation before becoming operational. Once operational, the MQ-25 is expected to extend the range and capability of the U.S. Navy's air wing.

The development of the U.S. Navy's carrier-based unmanned aerial refuelling aircraft, the Boeing MQ-25A Stingray, has faced significant challenges. The initial operational capability has been delayed from 2025 to late 2026, with the Navy citing difficulties in Boeing's efforts to establish a mature production line as the primary reason for the setback. Furthermore, an audit by the Defense Department's Office of the Inspector General raised concerns about the Navy's management of the program. The audit highlighted the Navy's decision to make crucial production choices before conducting essential tests and evaluations, potentially jeopardizing the program's ability to meet operational capability requirements. This situation adds risk to the MQ-25 program, potentially leading to costly engineering changes and deployment delays. Therefore, the Navy must address these issues and ensure that the MQ-25 program can meet its operational needs.