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| MQ-25A Stingray Prototype |
Militarymedia.net - After seeing for the first time the MQ-25A Stingray tanker drone with a refueling pod on its wing, apparently it didn't wait long, Boeing under the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) program on December 10, 2020 successfully made the first flight of the MQ-25A. with the refueling pod, making it an important pre-operational stage of the world's first tanker drone.
Departing and landing at MidAmerica regional airport in Mascoutah, Illinois, in a 2.5 hour flight test, the drone's aerodynamic measurements were taken of the new payload, because the installation of a refueling pod on the wing would increase weight and drag. The US Navy plans to acquire 70 MQ-25As to support the operations of the F / A-18 E / F Super Hornet fighter jet fleet.
The MQ-25A Stingray is designed to serve water refueling systems using the hose method. By distributing fuel using the hose method, the target is an aircraft using a probe. Since it will be used by the US Navy, it is clear that this tanker drone will later be used to 'feed' the F / A-18 E / F Super Hornet and F-35B Lightning II fighter jets.
The MQ-25A is predicted to be able to fly as far as 804 km with around 6,800 liters of aviation fuel. Boeing has so far built a prototype which is codenamed T1 (N234MQ). T1 began flight test activities in September 2019, and as of February 2020, has accumulated approximately 30 flight hours. The MQ-25A is equipped with a Rolls-Royce AE 3007N turbofan jet engine capable of producing thrust of up to 4,500 kg.
There is still a need for a series of tests for the full operation of tanker drones, such as the most crucial test of the fuel delivery connection to the target aircraft, which will also be carried out with dry contact before finally testing wet refueling.
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| MQ-25A Stingray Prototype |
