Boeing has unveiled the first production version of the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial refuelling vehicle for the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt
Boeing is preparing MQ-25 Stingray drones for static and flight testing. The company showed the first production drone that will enter service with the US Navy.
Here's What We Know
The MQ-25 Stingray is an unmanned aerial refuelling drone being developed by Boeing for the US Navy. In 2018, the defence contractor received $805 million to build four drones, and in 2020, the service signed a contract to buy three more drones.
#MQ25 on the move!
- Boeing Defence (@BoeingDefense) September 14, 2023
The first @USNavy MQ-25 Stingray recently moved off the production line to our static test facility. This is the first of nine Stingrays to be put through static, fatigue and flight tests to ensure durability and airworthiness. pic.twitter.com/2UvYoKnK7G
The U.S. Navy intends to have 76 unmanned aerial refuellers in service. The cost of the fleet is estimated at $1.3bn. In early 2023, Boeing announced that drone deliveries would be delayed from 2025 to 2026. The first UAV will be deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt.
The MQ-25 Stingray is 15.5 metres long. It has a wingspan of 23 metres. The unmanned air tanker will be able to reach speeds of over 600 kilometres. It will have a range of over 900 kilometres.
Source: @BoeingDefense
