Rolls-Royce to power US Navy’s MQ-25 aircraft

Rolls-Royce engines have been selected by Boeing to power the US Navy’s new MQ-25 Stingray aircraft, which will provide unmanned, carrier-based air-to-air refueling.

Recently, the US Navy awarded the MQ-25A engineering and manufacturing contract to Boeing to provide four aircraft.

The $805.3 million contract was awarded August 30 and provides for the design, development, fabrication, test, delivery, and support of four MQ-25A unmanned air vehicles, including integration into the carrier air wing for an initial operational capability by 2024.

The MQ-25 is designed to provide the US Navy with a much-needed refueling capability and extend the range of combat aircraft from carriers.

Each MQ-25 aircraft will be powered by a single Rolls-Royce AE 3007N engine, manufactured in Indianapolis, US. The AE 3007N will provide more than 10,000 lbs of thrust and additional electrical power to the aircraft, according to the technology company.

“Congratulations to Boeing for being selected to develop this historic aircraft in support of the US Navy. For Rolls-Royce, it will expand our UAV expertise with unmanned aircraft in the US Navy fleet, which includes the Triton and Fire Scout aircraft,” Jarrett Jones, Rolls-Royce, Executive Vice President, Customer Business, Government Relations and Sales, commented.