US Navy begins training for MQ-25A Stingray unmanned tanker operators

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US Navy begins training for MQ-25A Stingray unmanned tanker operators

The first squadron of VX-1 MQ-25A Stingray tanker unmanned aerial vehicles created in the structure of the US Navy has begun training operators drones. It is reported by Flightglobal.

The training of operators of unmanned MQ-25A Stingray tankers is carried out using a simulator on a computer. At the first stage, preparation was given for three days; it took place at the Boeing concern in St. Louis, Missouri. In addition, in the future, it is planned to train the squadron personnel in the operation and maintenance of drones. After the transfer of flight copies to the military, the operators will be connected to the testing.



In 2018, Boeing won a $ 805 million contract for the construction of the first four MQ-25A aircraft. The basis for the development of the new device was the secret prototype of the X-47, created as part of a subsequently canceled project. The US Navy renamed the unit the MQ-25 Stingray and converted it into an unmanned tanker. At the same time, the military command abandoned 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.

Boeing will then begin extensive testing of four MQ-25 flight prototypes, the first of which is due to be handed over to the military in 2021. The US Navy plans to enter service with the new drone in 2024.

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.
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    1. +9
      2 November 2020 15: 18
      There was never news about the MQ-25A Stingray with her photo. It seems that religion does not allow.

    2. -1
      2 November 2020 15: 25
      Serious barn. So study, study and study again. The price of an error can result in the incapacitation of an entire aircraft carrier. So good luck! And so that the number of landings does not coincide with the number of take-offs! The pilot is still sitting on the "battle sofa"! fellow
      1. -2
        2 November 2020 15: 26
        Here you hit the bull's-eye!
      2. +6
        2 November 2020 16: 06
        Quote: tralflot1832
        And so that the number of landings does not coincide with the number of take-offs!


        Last time, our couch uryakalki were so happy about the plane crash in the USA and wanted to "repeat" them that on the same day our drying room also crashed. So muffle the carousel - karma, she is a capricious lady.
        1. -4
          2 November 2020 16: 31
          They have a sofa pilot, so let this shed light up at the gas station before departure. The pilot from the sofa will not eject further from the toilet.
    3. -3
      2 November 2020 15: 29
      The basis for the development of the new device was the secret prototype of the X-47, created as part of a subsequently canceled project.


      Fake information. Northrop Grumman X-47B lost competition for the project from Boeing. If there was a base it was the Boeing Phantom Ray.
    4. -11
      2 November 2020 15: 52
      The Stingray deck tanker is a response to the introduction of the Dagger BR into service by the Russian Aerospace Forces and the planned completion of the Zircon GKR with an aggregate range (taking into account the flight range of the MiG-31, Su-30, Su-34 and Su-35) + 2000 km, which significantly exceeds the range of use of "Superhornets" and "Penguins" with CD LRASM, equal to -2000 km.

      But the problem of the Americans is that their carrier-based aircraft, even with the Stingrays, will have a combat radius of less than 3000 km, i.e. guaranteed to fall under the cover of the "Container" ZGRLS.

      By the way, the radius of detection of point air targets officially declared for the "Container" radically contradicts the misinformation leaked at the AO by foreign agent Timokhin to the joyful squeals of blue ponies about the alleged accuracy of determining the coordinates of this ZGRLS plus or minus 100 km laughing
    5. -1
      2 November 2020 23: 57
      Will he have an operator? They promised a completely autonomous drone.

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