Boeing Achieves Milestone in Manned-Unmanned Teaming with F/A-18 and MQ-25

Boeing has successfully demonstrated a groundbreaking capability that enables F/A-18 Super Hornet pilots to control the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial refuelling aircraft directly from the cockpit.

This milestone marks a significant advancement in software, future, missions and the future of aerial refuelling operations for the U.S. Navy.

Why this matters: This breakthrough in manned-unmanned teaming has the potential to transform aerial refuelling operations, allowing for more efficient use of resources and enhanced operational capabilities. The U.S. Navy continues to integrate unmanned systems into its fleet, and this technology could have far-reaching implications for the future of naval aviation.

This breakthrough in manned-unmanned teaming has the potential to transform aerial refuelling operations, allowing for more efficient use of resources and enhanced operational capabilities. The U.S. Navy's continued integration of unmanned systems into its fleet could have far-reaching implications for the future of naval aviation. Navy continues to integrate unmanned systems into its fleet, this technology could have far-reaching implications for the future of naval aviation.

In a series of simulator tests, a Boeing-led team demonstrates, command, super the seamless integration between a U.S. Navy F/A-18 pilot and the unmanned MQ-25 Stingray. Using newly developed software, the pilot commanded the MQ-25 to release its refuelling drogue, allowing the Super Hornet to connect and receive fuel mid-air. "MQ-25 is designed to typically receive commands from air vehicle pilots on an aircraft carrier," explained Alex Ewing, Boeing's lead for F/A-18 new product development. "This software will add a second option, enabling pilots to initiate commands right from their cockpit."

The proprietary software, known as Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), streamlines the communication process between the F/A-18 and MQ-25, significantly reducing the time required for refuelling operations. It builds upon previous tests conducted by Boeing and incorporates existing hardware and datalinks on both aircraft. Juan Cajigas, director of Boeing's MQ-25 program, emphasized the precision and efficiency of the : "To be able to direct the activities via a single pilot, safely and efficiently, is a major step forward in aerial refuelling technology."

The MQ-25 Stingray is designed to replace F/A-18 fighters currently assigned to aerial refuelling missions, which account for 20% to 30% of their flight time. By integrating the MQ-25 into carrier air wings, the U.S. Navy aims to extend the service life of its Super Hornets and optimize their operational capabilities. The navy plans to acquire 76 MQ-25s, with at least 67 serving as operational aircraft to support carrier-based missions.

The U.S. Navy's first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft, the MQ-25 is capable of launching and recovering using the same systems as crewed fighters. Navy's first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft, the MQ-25 is capable of launching and recovering using the same systems as crewed fighters. In 2021, a Boeing-owned MQ-25 test aircraft successfully completed deck handling trials aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, paving the way for future integration with carrier operations. The navy expects to reach initial operational capability with the MQ-25 fleet in the second half of 2026, with 13 aircraft delivered.

Boeing has already demonstrated the MQ-25's ability to refuel three carrier-based aircraft: the F/A-18 Super Hornet, F-35C Lightning II, and E-2D Hawkeye. In February 2024, Boeing delivered the first MQ-25 test article to the U.S. Navy, marking another critical milestone in the program's progress.

The successful demonstration of manned-unmanned teaming between the F/A-18 Super Hornet and MQ-25 Stingray represents a major milestone in aerial refuelling technology. By enabling pilots to control the MQ-25 directly from their cockpits, the U.S. Navy can optimize the use of its fighter fleet, reduce the time dedicated to refuelling missions, and enhance overall operational efficiency. The MQ-25 program's continued advancement holds the potential to transform aerial refuelling operations and pave the way for future manned-unmanned collaborations in naval aviation.

Key Takeaways

• Boeing has demonstrated F/A-18 pilot control of the MQ-25 Stingray refuelling drone.
• New software enables direct cockpit control, streamlining refuelling operations.
• MQ-25 to replace F/A-18s in refuelling missions, freeing up fighters for combat.
• US Navy to acquire 76 MQ-25s, with 67 operational aircraft by 2026.
• Manned-unmanned teaming tech to transform aerial refueling, and enhance naval aviation.