Boeing has unveiled a photo of an unmanned aircraft proposed to the U.S. Navy for an aerial refueling aircraft that will operate from aircraft carriers, to refuel Navy jets operating from aircraft carriers. Boeing designed and built a prototype of the aircraft at its Phantom Works. The UAS is completing engine runs before heading to the flight ramp for deck handling demonstrations early next year.
Through its MQ-25 ‘Stingray’ competition, the Navy is seeking unmanned refueling capabilities that would extend the combat range of deployed Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Boeing EA-18G Growler, and Lockheed Martin F-35C fighters. The MQ-25 will also have to seamlessly integrate with a carrier’s catapult and launch and recovery systems. The Navy issued its final request for proposals in October. Proposals are due Jan. 3. General Atomics and Lockheed Martin are competing Boeing on this bid.
“Boeing has been delivering carrier aircraft to the Navy for almost 90 years,” said Don ‘BD’ Gaddis, a retired admiral who leads the refueling system program for Boeing’s Phantom Works technology organization. “Our expertise gives us confidence in our approach. We will be ready for flight testing when the engineering and manufacturing development contract is awarded.”
