Uncrewed refueller will increase striking power of carrier air wings.
The US Navy has awarded the first production contract for the Boeing MQ-25A Stingray uncrewed naval refuelling aircraft.
The funding provides for three MQ-25As under low-rate initial production (LRIP) Lot 1, says the US Navy.
According to a routine US government notification, the value of the MQ-25A production contract is $552 million.
Also included in the funding are long-lead components for three LRIP Lot 2 aircraft.
“Awarding this first LRIP contract marks a pivotal transition from development to operational reality and is a testament to the focused effort of our joint government and industry teams,” says USN Captain Daniel Fucito, Unmanned Carrier Aviation program manager.
“MQ-25A will deliver the advanced reach, lethality, and survivability our warfighters need to outpace evolving threats and dominate the future battlespace.”
The MQ-25A will play a critical role supporting USN carrier air wings, relieving the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet of onerous tanking duties. This will free up more aircraft for missions and reduce valuable flight hours spent on support missions.
The overall programme of record comprises 76 MQ-25As. This includes four engineering development and manufacturing aircraft, and five system demonstration test aircraft. Seven test aircraft are in production at a dedicated Boeing facility in Mascoutah, Illinois.
“Reaching this milestone shows how we’re redefining naval aviation and expanding what autonomy can do,” says Troy Rutherford, Boeing’s vice president for the MQ-25 programme.
“We remain committed to providing stability and consistent execution of the production system to fulfil our commitments to the fleet.”
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