US Navy’s MQ-25 unmanned refueling drone wraps up 1st test flight

Boeing and the US Navy successfully completed the first test flight of the MQ-25 unmanned aerial refueler on September 19, 2019.

The MQ-25 test asset, known as T1, completed the autonomous two-hour flight under the direction of Boeing test pilots operating from a ground control station at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Illinois, where the test program is based.

The aircraft completed an autonomous taxi and takeoff and then flew a pre-determined route to validate its basic flight functions and operations with the ground control station.

“Seeing MQ-25 in the sky is a testament to our Boeing and Navy team working the technology, systems and processes that are helping get MQ-25 to the carrier,” Dave Bujold, Boeing MQ-25 Program Director, said.

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 under an $805 million contract awarded in August 2018.

As explained, the MQ-25 will provide the navy with a much-needed carrier-based unmanned aerial refueling capability. It will allow for better use of the combat strike fighters currently performing the tanking role and will extend the range of the carrier air wing.

“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 progress toward delivery of a game-changing capability for the carrier air wing and strike group commanders,” Capt. Chad Reed, the US Navy’s Unmanned Carrier Aviation (PMA-268) Program Manager, commented.

T1 received its experimental airworthiness certificate from the FAA in September, verifying that the air vehicle meets the agency’s requirements for safe flight.

Testing will continue with T1 to further early learning and discovery that advances major systems and software development, according to Boeing.

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