American MQ-25A deck drone received refueling equipment

The American MQ-25 Stingray deck drone received refueling equipment. It is reported by Defense News.

Boeing specialists installed refueling equipment, which is a hanging container with a hose-cone system, on an MQ-25 Stingray drone. The container is mounted on a pylon under the left wing console. Currently, the installed equipment and on-board systems are being tested. drone. The start of flight tests is scheduled for this fall.

At the first stage of flight tests, the effect of the suspended container on the aerodynamic and maneuverable characteristics of the drone will be tested. Tests with refueling of other aircraft will take place later, but also this fall.

In 2018, Boeing won a $ 805 million contract for the construction of the first four copies of the MQ-25A. The basis for the development of the new apparatus was the secret prototype X-47, which was created in the framework of the subsequently canceled project. Initially, the Navy command planned to adopt an unmanned stealth bomber, which could deliver bombing attacks, while remaining invisible to air defense systems. The project was named RAQ-25. In 2016, the U.S. Navy formulated new requirements for a deck-based drone, changing its main purpose. The project was renamed the MQ-25 Stingray and redesigned as an unmanned tanker. At the same time, the military command refused the stealth characteristics of the aircraft, and also removed the ability to carry weapons from the requirements.

On April 2, 2020, the U.S. Navy entered into an additional contract with Boeing for the supply of another 3 drones MQ-25A. All will be used in demonstration and evaluation trials.

The US Navy plans to purchase 72 Stingray units, allocating a total of about 13 billion dollars for their purchase. This will ease the load on the fleet F / A-18F Super Hornet, refueling other aircraft. The Pentagon intends to put into operation the first drone MQ-25A in 2024.

Comments

[Mavrikiy]

The American MQ-25 Stingray deck drone received refueling equipment.

For God's sake. It won't help the Cyclops. The shell will reach everywhere.

[Invoce]

The photo "smiled" !!!! Who is the host supervising? Operator?
Actually, the operator should see the markup much better than the greeter

[Grazdanin]

Well, at least google 5 minutes before writing the news. The X-47 is a side project from Northrop Grumman that lost the competition.
The MQ-25 looks like this:

[Livonetc]

Attack drones, globally, are of course effective in that they don't have a crew on board.
That is, if economic resources are very high, it is possible to produce a large number of such equipment and losses will only mean the loss of material resources and funds for reproduction (replenishment).
So inspired thoughts on the topic.
Hopefully, tight work on unmanned programs in Russia will yield serious results and a level of parity with many potential opponents.

[Grazdanin]

Yes. There are also problems with pilots. The training of a full-fledged fighter pilot takes 10 years, after that he will serve for a maximum of 10-15 years, if he does not go into civil aviation earlier. For a fundamentally increase in the number of aircraft, one cannot do without a UAV. In the same USA, the shortage of pilots is estimated at about 1500 people.

[antivirus]

what about naval aviation? also 10 years to teach? or worse, longer? and deck MIG29-only one with us? what will happen in 2030?

[Thunderbolt]

Quote: Grazdanin

In the same USA, the shortage of pilots is estimated at about 1500 people.

Finally ... a knowledgeable person in a resource.! U! And what percentage is the shortage of the RF Air Force? I ask for figures and justifications, because your 1500 US pilots, easily turn into just a prepared reserve that has not passed the course of releasing missiles of the latest modifications. Instructions on the ground, and then you know what? Moreover, in the event of a major war, the US Air Force begins to take the reserve not from the US Air Force reserve, but from the national guard air units of the states. element of community, the most zealous it is of course manifested in the generals, when a super-general drags a command. In the Air Force it is almost so. Almost so. But not so. But how, let me write biographers, but the US Air Force, VK, USSR had The task is to land the Luftwaffe The task is completed, everyone has returned to the airfield.

[Grazdanin]

Quote: Thunderbolt

I ask for numbers and with justifications

The information from US Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson is trustworthy. In 2017, the shortage of pilots was estimated at 2000.
https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2017/11/09/air-force-leaders-were-going-to-break-the-force/

Quote: Thunderbolt

in the event of a major war, the US Air Force begins to take a reserve not from the US Air Force reserve

In case of war, the United States can call on pilots 3-4 times more than the current composition if necessary.

Quote: Thunderbolt

And what percentage is the shortage of the RF Air Force.?

So look for information, you can here: https://yandex.ru/

[5-9]

Well, yes ... Any schoolchild can drive a drone with 20 meter wings for dozens of lamas from the sofa ... If only the Wi-Fi was good ...

[Courier]

Our hunter was stolen. Who allowed it?
Shooting on the spot!

[Jack O'Neill]

Our hunter was stolen. Who allowed it?
Shooting on the spot!

Irony.))

[5-9]

s, well, stupid ... do not understand. like local idolaters in front of them, that from a UAV you can make a super stealth fighter-striker .... which will be thousands and they will win!
We limited ourselves to the function of a tanker and 72 units ... 180 lamas apiece ...

PS: And who is this road builder-motorcyclist waving his hands in front of an unmanned litak?
Can we be right there and there is a black dwarf sitting inside?