Boeing and the US Navy announced successful completion of the first test flight of the MQ-25 unmanned aerial refueler. The MQ-25 is expected to provide the US Navy with a much-needed carrier-based unmanned aerial refueling capability.
The MQ-25 test asset, known as T1, completed the autonomous flight under the direction of Boeing test pilots operating from a ground control station at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Ill, on 19 September.
The aircraft completed an autonomous taxi and takeoff and then flew a pre-determined route. The test validated the aircraft’s basic flight functions and operations with the ground control station.
The flight of this test asset two years before our first MQ-25 arrives represents the first big step in a series of early learning opportunities that are helping us rapidly progress towards delivery of a game-changing capability for the carrier air wing and strike group commanders,
…said the Navy’s Unmanned Carrier Aviation (PMA-268) Program Manager Capt. Chad Reed.
The Boeing-owned test asset is a predecessor to the engineering development model (EDM) aircraft and is being used for early learning and discovery to meet the goals of the US Navy’s accelerated acquisition program.
Boeing will produce four EDM MQ-25 air vehicles for the US Navy.
US Navy shows an increased interest in unmanned technologies. Earlier this month, the Navy collaborated with the decommissioned USS Midway to trial an unmanned aerial vehicle as another tool in its inventory for the management of corrosion on its ships.
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