MQ-25A Stingray

Last updated: 21 Feb 2019

Description
The MQ-25 system will deliver a robust organic refueling capability to make better use of our combat strike fighters and extend the range of our aircraft carriers. The system will be a critical part of the future CVW and will enhance carrier capability and versatility for the Joint Forces Commander through the integration of a persistent, sea-based aerial refueling Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) into the CVW.

The Navy awarded an Engineering Manufacturing and Development contract to The Boeing Company in August 2018 to design, development, fabrication, test, delivery, and support of four MQ-25A unmanned air vehicles, including integration into the carrier air wing for an initial operational capability by 2024.

MQ-25 will be the first air system procured by the Navy's Unmanned Carrier Aviation Program Office. (PMA-268) It is comprised of three major architectural segments: an Air Segment (AS), a Control System & Connectivity (CS&C) Segment, and a Carrier (CVN) Segment.
 
  • AS Includes the MQ-25 UAS, which is composed of the MQ-25A Stingray air vehicle and associated support and handling equipment including the deck handling system, spares and repair materials.
  • CS&C Includes the Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) Mission Control System (UMCS) and its associated communication equipment; the Distributed Common Ground Station-Navy (DCGS-N) mission support functionality; all network based interfaces and routing equipment required to control the Stingray; and all required modifications to existing networks and C4I system infrastructure.
  • CVN Composed of CVN ships spaces allocated to UCA as well as installed ship systems and modifications necessary for interface with the Air and CS&C segments. CVN systems important to the MQ-25 include aircraft launch and recovery systems, data dissemination systems (including radio terminals and antennas), and deck operations systems.


These segments are overseen by the Government Lead Systems Integrator (LSI), providing government-led system-of-systems integration for the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Program.
 

Features

Boeing conducts MQ-25 deck handling demonstration at its facility in St. Louis, Mo.
Boeing conducts MQ-25 deck handling demonstration at its facility in St. Louis, Mo.
Boeing conducts MQ-25 deck handling demonstration at its facility in St. Louis, Mo.
180830-N-NO101-001
Boeing conducts MQ-25 deck handling demonstration at its facility in St. Louis, Mo.
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Image Details
Photo By: Photo by Eric Shindelbower
VIRIN: 180830-N-NO101-001

Background
Mission: The MQ-25 will enhance carrier capability and versatility for the Joint Forces Commander through rapid development, delivery, and integration of an effective, affordable, sustainable and adaptable unmanned air system into the Carrier Air Wing.

Point of Contact
Naval Air Systems Command

47123 Buse Rd
Bldg. 2272, Suite 246
Patuxent River, MD 20670-1547

PEO (U&W) Public Affairs Officer
(301) 757-9703

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