![]() The MQ-25 originated at MidAmerica Airport in Mascoutah, Illinois, with support by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX-23. On 4 June 2021, the first refueling test was conducted, with the MQ-25 providing fuel to an F/A-18F Super Hornet. MQ-25 T1 Stingray test aircraft takes off, 2021 The company's departure signaled to some analysts that the Navy's requirements could favor wing-body-tail designs, not the flying wings thought to be proposed by Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. Northrop Grumman announced on 25 October 2017 that it was withdrawing its X-47B from the MQ-25 competition, saying the company would have been unable to execute the program under the terms of the service's request for proposals. General Atomics proposed their Sea Avenger concept which was enlarged from its Predator-C/Avenger for refueling, while Lockheed Martin proposed their Sea Ghost concept based on the RQ-170 Sentinel. Boeing's MQ-25 design is not new for the tanking mission, but Boeing says that was considered when designing it. On 19 December 2017, Boeing unveiled its prototype aircraft entrant that incorporated lessons learned from the Boeing Phantom Ray flying wing and its other unmanned aerial systems. Selection īoeing secretly finished building its wing-body-tail in 2014 when the UCLASS program was paused, and revived it for the CBARS mission. ![]() The Navy released the final MQ-25 Stingray request for proposals in October 2017 to Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics. The Navy's goal for the aircraft is to be able to deliver 15,000 lb (6,800 kg) of fuel total to 4 to 6 airplanes at a range of 500 nmi (580 mi 930 km). Mike Shoemaker said that the MQ-25 can extend the Super Hornet's 450 nmi (520 mi 830 km) unrefueled combat radius to beyond 700 nmi (810 mi 1,300 km). ![]() Michael Manazir has suggested that three of these UCAVs could fly with an F-35 for refueling and sensor operation. In July 2016, it was officially named "MQ-25A Stingray" after being named RAQ-25A previously. įour development contracts were issued in 2016, with a formal RFP expected in 2017, with operational status in the early to mid-2020s. It also addresses the carriers' need for an organic refueling aircraft, proposed for the UCLASS since 2014, freeing up the 20–30 percent of Super Hornets performing the mission in a more capable and cost effective manner than modifying the F-35, V-22 Osprey, and E-2D Hawkeye, or returning the retired S-3 Viking to service. Having the CBARS as the first carrier-based UAV provides a less complex bridge to the future F/A-XX, should it be an unmanned strike platform. ![]() The Pentagon apparently made this program change to address the Navy's expected fighter shortfall by directing funds to buy more F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and accelerate purchases of the F-35C. On 1 February 2016, after delays over whether the UCLASS would specialize in strike or ISR roles, it was reported that significant priority would be given to producing a Super Hornet-sized carrier-based aerial refueling tanker as the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System (CBARS), with "a little ISR" and some capabilities for communications relay, and strike capabilities put off to a future variant. In 2012, lethality and strike requirements were diluted in order to create an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)-oriented aircraft that could be developed quickly to conduct low-intensity counter-terrorism missions. The original UCLASS concept was for a stealthy strike platform capable of penetrating enemy air defenses. The United States Navy began its efforts to develop an aircraft carrier-based UAV in 2006. It’s affordable, and they offer a 100% money-back guarantee for 7 days.Ĭlick Here to learn more.Main article: Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike It’s an incredibly detailed ASVAB test prep course that includes helpful tips on acing the test, practice test questions, flashcards, and step-by-step video tutorials. Looking to improve your ASVAB score to get the job YOU want?Ĭheck out the Mometrix ‘ ASVAB Test Prep Course‘. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |