Boeing, Navy Complete First MQ-25A Two-Hour Test Flight Under $805M Contract
Boeing and the U.S. Navy completed a two-hour first operational test flight of the MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aerial refueler, demonstrating autonomous taxi, takeoff, flight, landing, and command responsiveness. This milestone advances carrier integration and validates ground control station navigation under the $805 million contract for four engineering development models.
1. Successful First Operational Flight
Boeing and the U.S. Navy achieved the MQ-25A Stingray’s inaugural operational test flight, lasting two hours at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. The unmanned refueler autonomously taxied, took off, flew a pre-planned mission, responded to ground commands, and executed a safe landing under the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System MD-5.
2. Program Milestone and Contract Details
This aircraft is the first of four Engineering Development Models to be delivered under an $805 million Navy contract. The flight validates key subsystems including flight controls, navigation and ground control station integration as part of carrier air wing modernization.
3. Next Steps Toward Carrier Integration
Further flights are scheduled at MidAmerica St. Louis to stress-test autonomous operations before relocating to Naval Air Station Patuxent River. These tests will prepare the MQ-25A for carrier deck qualifications and operational testing within the carrier air wing.