What To Know About The US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray Aerial Refuelling Drone

The MQ-25 Stingray is a carrier-based unmanned aircraft that offers robust aerial refueling, adding a permanent, sea-based tanker to increase the range of US aircraft carriers and effectively use combat strike fighters. In 2021, it became the first-ever unmanned aerial vehicle UAV to refuel another aircraft.
The system will play a crucial role in the future by establishing the groundwork for all upcoming carrier-based unmanned systems and developing the innovative manned-unmanned teaming operational concept. Refueling extends to various fighters, including Northrop Grumman E-2D Hawkeye , Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet , Boeing EA-18G Growler , and Lockheed Martin F-35C fighters.
Strategic Missions of the MQ-25
The Stingray will transition from manned platforms to unmanned air vehicles, enhancing the capabilities of the Carrier Strike Group CSG. Its primary mission is to conduct aerial refueling and extend the carrier air wing’s CVW strike range by aerial refueling aircraft. It increases CVW lethality by relieving the combat aircraft from aerial refueling missions, allowing ordnance to replace refueling stores. Its missions comprise backup tanking, organic intelligence, and surveillance.
Photo: Media | defense.gov
The US Navy has integrated unmanned aerial systems into its operations, with the Unmanned Air Warfare Center now part of the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier, seen in December 2024. This marks a crucial moment for finalizing preparations for MQ-25 Stingrays and other fleet resources.
The US Navy has approved a revised acquisition program baseline and $50 million in reprogrammed funds for the Stingray’s development, following redesign efforts and reduced procurement funding.
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Key Features, Specifications, and Capabilities
The drone is fully autonomous and not a remotely piloted platform. The drone’s human operator loads a mission plan and executes it, and the GCS operator communicates with other parties like air traffic control or carrier ATC.
Photo: Boeing
It uses the standard Cobham air-to-air refueling pod mounted on a wing-hard-point for refueling. It lacks a rearward-facing camera or proximity sensors, relying on the receiver pilot’s skills for connection. Two hardpoints are attached to the body, carrying the Anti-ship missiles of AGM-158C LRASM.
“We also have built into the aeroplane contingency management. So in the event that something goes wrong, you lose communications or something along those lines, it will activate plans on what to do and how to regain communications and make its way back,” said Jim Young, Executive Program Director, Boeing.
Boeing demonstrated the maturity of its technology in a simulator lab in May 2024, allowing a pilot to remotely command an MQ-25 Stingray UAS for aerial refueling. The new software reduces the time it takes for the fighter jet to communicate with an MQ-25, providing flexibility in refueling operations from longer distances.
Photo: navy.mil
The Navy announced the installation of the first Unmanned Air Warfare Center UAWC on USS George H.W. Bush in August 2024, which will be used by Air Vehicle Pilots AVPs to control the MQ-25 Stingray during airborne operations and future unmanned platforms. The UAWC includes software and hardware systems that comprise the first fully operational and integrated Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System UMCS.
Revolutionizing Aerial Refueling
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle technology for automated in-flight refueling is revolutionizing the process for military force projection and has wider applications in both the defense and civil aviation sectors. The Defense is developing disruptive technology for fully autonomous in-flight refueling, pilot assistance technologies, and new propulsion systems to enhance flight safety and operational efficiency.
Photo: Boeing
The MQ-25 drone relies on software that attempts to implement general commands with reduced ground pilot efforts. The drone’s software will eventually implement these commands, allowing the pilot to decide the best action based on the situation.
The drone simulates refueling operations using advanced AI-based navigation and cooperative control technologies. The aircraft’s aerodynamic performance is expedited, influencing decisions for the US Navy. More benefits include:
Improved safety, reliability, and efficiency without the need for human intervention. Advanced navigation technology and satellite positioning to achieve high position accuracy. Reducing logistical burden, improving mission flexibility and effectiveness.
Innovations and Challenges
On August 30, 2018, the US Navy awarded Boeing an $805 million contract to build the MQ-25, against the Northrop Grumman X-47B. The contract will provide four aircraft, planning to purchase more than 70, with the work to be performed in St. Louis, Missouri.
Photo: United States Navy
Boeing collaborated with the MQ-25 Industry Team, which includes a number of companies and developers. In 2019, BAE Systems was awarded a contract by Boeing to supply the Vehicle Management Control System and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) System for the MQ-25.
The Rolls-Royce AE 3007 engine was initially developed for defense applications, mastering high efficiency and lower noise. These engines are rated Turbofan and have a maximum operating speed of 12%. The single engine enables the Stingray to fly 500 NM (580 mi, 930 km) when delivering more than 16,000 lb (7,250 kg) of fuel.
Photo: Boeing
Collins Aerospace developed Joint Precision Approach and Landing System JPALS is a high-integrity differential GPS navigation system that provides precise landing guidance for aircraft on carriers and amphibious assault ships, using an encrypted datalink to communicate with GPS sensors, antennas, and shipboard equipment.
Photo: Boeing
Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division was awarded a contract to supply data technology systems. General Electric also designed a system that offers operational support, incorporating a comprehensive safety architecture for various stores and refueling systems. Honeywell’s applications to enhance safety require enhanced autonomy and detection-and-avoid systems. These systems also reduce noise, cost, and certification processes.
Company Functions BAE Systems Guide the vehicle management control system Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Supply data technology systems Collins Aerospace Develop Joint Precision Approach and Landing System JPALS GE Aviation Stores management solution Héroux-Devtek Canada Supply the landing gear system L3 Commercial Aviation Supply ADS-B surveillance, collision avoidance technology and flight data recorders Parker Aerospace Support flight control tail actuation
In 2019, Boeing’s first MQ-25 test aircraft took off from St. Louis’ Lambert International Airport to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. After taxi tests, the Federal Aviation Administration certified the aircraft and granted airspace for flight testing. The MQ-25 took its first flight on 19 September 2019.
In December 2020, Boeing released a video showing the first flight with a Cobham aerial refueling store. On 4 June 2021, the first refueling test was conducted, with the MQ-25 providing fuel to an F/A-18F Super Hornet. More refueling tests were performed with E-2 and F-35C.