The Boeing-owned prototype served as the demonstrator for the U.S. Navy’s MQ-25A Stingray program. Its display aboard USS Nimitz highlights the Stingray as a critical element of the Navy’s future carrier air wing.
The MQ-25A Stingray is the Navy’s first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft. It is designed to extend the range of the carrier air wing through autonomous aerial refueling.
The T1 prototype first flew in 2019 and completed 36 test flights. During its test program, it became the first unmanned aircraft in history to refuel another aircraft.
The first operational U.S. Navy MQ-25A Stingray completed its first test flight in April. It continues flight testing at Boeing’s facility near MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Illinois.
The display links the aircraft’s development record with the Navy’s plans for future carrier aviation. It also presents the unmanned refueling capability during a national anniversary event focused on U.S. naval presence.
