The US Navy's carrier-based aerial refueling systems (CBARS) is developing the mq-25 Stingray. It is intended to enhance the range of deployed fighter-jets by providing a refueling option. The Stingray is also compatible with the launch, recovery and catapult systems on a carrier.
MQ-9 Reaper
The unmanned US Navy's mq-9 reaper is an aircraft carrier-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), operation. It comes with multiple sensors, a multimode communications suite, precision weapons, and many other features. This versatile aircraft can be used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, close air support and combat search and rescue.
Although the mq9reaper is designed to collect intelligence information it also has significant loiter times for other tasks, such as surveillance and strikes missions. It is a highly maneuverable, high-altitude, high-speed vehicle that can be paired with other UAVs for joint operations against tactical targets such as ad hoc command and control stations, ground control stations, and radar platforms.
It can also be used for precision strikes against high value targets like aircraft or ships. The mq9 reaper's payload space is very large. This allows for many types of weaponry and electronics, such as Paveway laser bombs, JDAM satellite bombs, and Quickstrike marine mines.
It can also be equipped with anti-ship missiles and electronic countermeasures. It is a mobile and versatile aircraft that can be easily transported on any type of aircraft carrier.
During a recent test fly, the aircraft was flied in a loop about the deck of the Bush Class aircraft carrier. It was also driven around on the deck in taxi mode through various landing and takeoff maneuvers.
Boeing is currently building the MQ-25 Stingray under a development contract. It is an unmanned, carrier-based aerial tanker that can also be controlled mid-flight by either an F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot or E-2D Advanced Hawkeye pilot. This allows it to perform its core tanking mission. The drone is expected to slot into operations on a carrier deck and in the air without any additional guidance or training, but it will need to operate under a new set of rules known as NATOPS.
MQ 25 Stingray Drone
The US Navy is developing the mq-25 stingray for its Carrier-Based Aerial Refueling System. It is designed to be operated by warrant officers and will eventually replace the current fleet of Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet and Lockheed Martin F-35C fighters, which currently carry out refueling missions from their carriers.
It is currently being tested at the Boeing facility in St Louis Missouri, US in preparation for its maiden flights in 2021. The MQ-25 can refuel aircraft using the same standard probe-and–drogue method as the Navy's current aircraft.
Boeing is currently developing the mq-25 in a $805 million development agreement. This will make it a crucial component of the US Navy's carrier-based unmanned aircraft refueling program. The program will bring billions of dollars to the Navy. This is the first stage of a journey that will eventually result in more 70 drones being part of the Navy's fleet.