The MQ-25A “Stingray” is actually a U.S. Navy program, not U.S. Air Force.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Overview
- Role: Carrier-based aerial refueling drone (unmanned tanker)
- Branch: United States Navy (not USAF)
- Developer: Boeing
- First Flight: September 2019
- Status: Still in testing and early production, aiming for fleet introduction later this decade
Key Points
- The MQ-25A will extend the range of carrier air wing aircraft like the F/A-18 Super Hornet, F-35C Lightning II, and E-2D Hawkeye by providing mid-air refueling.
- It’s the first operational carrier-based UAV developed specifically for the Navy.
- Can carry around 15,000 pounds of fuel for refueling missions.
- Operates from aircraft carriers, using the catapult launch and arresting gear just like manned jets.
Why it matters
- It frees up F/A-18s (currently used as tankers) to perform combat missions instead of carrying fuel tanks.
- It’s also laying the groundwork for future carrier-based drones (reconnaissance, strike, electronic warfare).
👉 If you’re interested, I can also compare it with USAF unmanned aircraft like the MQ-9 Reaper or RQ-4 Global Hawk, which have very different missions. Want me to do that?
