Boeing Secures $562M Contract to Produce Unmanned Tanker MQ-25A STINGRAY
The US Navy has awarded Boeing a $562 million contract to produce the first batch of MQ-25A STINGRAY unmanned tankers. The agreement marks the beginning of Lot 1 Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) for the program, which was cleared to move from development into production in May by the Acting Secretary of the Navy.
The MQ-25A will play a crucial role in supporting the F/A-18 SUPER HORNET fleet, extending its strike missions in range, endurance, and flexibility. The new UAV will allow manned fighters currently performing aerial refueling to focus on their primary strike role. During testing, the MQ-25 T1 demonstrator successfully refueled three carrier-based aircraft: E-2D HAWKEYE, F-35C LIGHTNING II, and the F/A-18 SUPER HORNET.
The STINGRAY is designed to deliver at least 14,000 pounds of fuel at 500 nautical miles. Its manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) architecture enables it to autonomously gather and relay critical information and perform tasks such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.