Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet Public Domain
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Boeing MQ-25 makes history by becoming first unmanned aircraft to perform an in-flight refueling
By: Rafael Ramos
On: 6/10/2021
Boeing MQ-25, drone usado no reabastecimento
Reprodução/Boeing Defense
Last Friday, June 4, Boeing used a drone to refuel an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet. The successful flight of the MQ-25 Stingray showed, for the first time, that an unmanned aircraft was successful in the refueling process.
"This flight lays the foundation for integration into the carrier's environment, allowing for greater capability in relation to the concepts of manned and unmanned teams." “The MQ-25 will greatly increase the range and strength of the future air wing of carriers – equipping our carriers with additional assets in the future.” says Rear Admiral Brian Corey, who oversees the Executive Office of the Program of Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons.
Tests with the MQ-25 T1 will continue over the next few months as engine tests and deck handling demonstrations aboard an aircraft carrier, which should take place later this year.
The MQ-25A Stingray will be the world's first operational unmanned aircraft carrier-based aircraft that will bring the possibility of aerial refueling and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), making it an extremely useful aircraft in multiple mission types once which must release fighters and pilots from in-flight refueling service during missions.
The program also plans to expand testing to other receivers as well.
the head of the Navy's unmanned aviation program, Chad Reed, said this is "the first step toward a future in which the carrier-based fleet is augmented by unmanned systems."
See the Boeing Defense Twitter video on the external link below.
Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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