![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/271000f2-128a-442f-ac81-7f1a03881790-2.jpg)
In a significant advancement for U.S. naval aviation, Boeing has successfully tested new software that enables F/A-18 Super Hornet pilots to directly command the unmanned MQ-25 Stingray, initiating the aerial refueling process from the cockpit.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/177ff96e-47f4-4766-8376-9a81a8e07696-2.jpg)
This development is poised to enhance operational flexibility and represents a substantial leap forward in manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) technology.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/95ce7e21-17fa-45a1-a844-d2e8cbf79122-2.jpg)
The groundbreaking simulation occurred in St. Louis on May 1, 2024, where Boeing’s new software was put through its paces, demonstrating the refined communication between the MQ-25 and the F/A-18 using existing communications systems.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/b0fbea3f-07cd-4ad7-9ce6-acaf316d531c-2.jpg)
The test validated that fighter pilots can now command the MQ-25 to deploy its refueling drogue and transfer fuel effectively, without the need for a separate carrier-based air vehicle operator.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/6ffade13-2f5a-4c82-9a1f-1693dc872702-2.jpg)
Boeing’s lead for F/A-18 New Product development, Alex Ewing, highlighted the significance of this update, stating, “MQ-25 is designed to typically receive commands from air vehicle pilots on an aircraft carrier.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/79606d51-1843-4218-b4a4-b16121349fe9-2.jpg)
This software will add a second option.” The flexibility afforded by this software could be critical in combat scenarios where electronic emissions from the carrier need to be minimized.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/51e44504-0446-4edc-8dbf-07cb61c3c9c2-2.jpg)
The MQ-25 Stingray, built by Boeing, is designed to fulfill the primary role of an aerial refueler, thereby alleviating the F/A-18 Super Hornets from their current “buddy tanker” duties.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ed68b01d-5ae8-4d58-a077-ea71f82015c0-1-scaled.jpg)
By doing so, this conserves Super Hornets for their intended combat roles. The MQ-25 is equipped with an electro-optic/infrared sensor, allowing it to function in a secondary capacity as an airborne sensor platform.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/73c0bb96-92dc-4b0d-9300-83cfc837a3db-2.jpg)
Juan Cajigas, director of the Advanced MQ-25 program, likened aerial refueling to a ballet, and hailed the software as a major step forward: “To be able to direct the activities via a single pilot, safely and efficiently, is a major step forward in aerial refueling technology.”
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/b4e0ccac-400b-4ca8-92a4-d7c3fbb67d9e-3.jpg)
The U.S. Navy’s fleet of MQ-25s, currently in development, promises a significant enhancement in its at-sea refueling capabilities. The Navy plans to acquire 76 of these drones, with at least 67 operational models supporting carrier air wings.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/632f886a-42f1-4202-832e-daa06a29696e.jpg)
The MQ-25 does not require remote piloting, relying instead on sophisticated flight control algorithms to execute missions autonomously.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2d4275fd-4348-47cd-9941-339a8710f692-2.jpg)
This technology advances the MQ-25 beyond its prior capabilities, which had included successful refueling tests of carrier-based aircraft like the F/A-18, F-35C, and E-2D Hawkeye.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cef13739-cdda-412e-ae5b-4ed29aa30f4b-3.jpg)
The first MQ-25 example was delivered to the Navy for testing in February, with operational implementation expected in the second half of 2026, when an initial 13 aircraft will have been delivered.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/c00018ff-1a63-4244-85f6-9739d047494f-3.jpg)
Boeing’s efforts underscore the importance of aerial refueling in power projection, particularly for the U.S. Navy, which traditionally cannot operate large tanker aircraft from its carriers.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ea41af9a-ecde-41ff-92a9-4eb5cae1068b.jpg)
The development of the MQ-25 Stingray stems from the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System (CBARS) program and is a testament to Boeing’s commitment to innovation and the future of combat readiness and sustainability in military operations.