Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Boeing’s Stingray Performs First Unmanned Refueling
The MQ-25 Stingray is on course to be deployed as a tanker aboard the U.S. Navy’s carriers.
A U.S. Navy Super Hornet successfully takes on fuel from Boeing’s MQ-25 T1 test article, representing a major achievement on the path to fielding an operational unmanned tanker. (Photo: Boeing)
A U.S. Navy Super Hornet successfully takes on fuel from Boeing’s MQ-25 T1 test article, representing a major achievement on the path to fielding an operational unmanned tanker. (Photo: Boeing)

On June 4 the Boeing/U.S. Navy team that is developing the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned carrier-borne tanker passed a major milestone when the first test air vehicle passed fuel to a manned receiver in flight. A Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet from Naval Air Systems Command’s Strike Test Directorate (VX-23) was the receiving aircraft, and it conducted a formation evaluation prior to engaging with the Aerial Refueling Store (ARS) carried by the MQ-25. Fuel was transferred at an operationally relevant airspeed and altitude.


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