The US Navy's carrier-based aerial and refueling system (CBARS), has the mq-25 stanchray as its aircraft. It will provide a refueling capability that can increase the range of fighter jets. The Stingray is also compatible with the launch, recovery and catapult systems on a carrier.
MQ-9 Reaper
The United States Navy's mq 9 reaper is an unmanned air vehicle used to perform intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations on aircraft carriers. It is equipped with a wide range of sensors, multi-mode communications suite, and precision weapons. This versatile aircraft can be used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, close air support and combat search and rescue.
The mq9 reaper is used primarily to collect intelligence information. However, it can also provide significant loiter time for other tasks like surveillance and strike missions. It is highly maneuverable and can be paired together with other UAVs in order to carry out joint operations against tactical targets. This includes ad-hoc command and control stations and ground control stations.
It can therefore be used to carry out precision strikes against high valued targets, such enemy aircraft and ships. The payload area of the mq9 reaper is large, which allows for many different weapons and electronics to be loaded onto it, including Paveway laser-guided and satellite-guided bombs and Quickstrike navy mines.
You can also equip it with electronic countermeasures or anti-ship missiles. It's a mobile, versatile aircraft that can be moved anywhere on an aircraft carrier.
During a recent test flight, the aircraft was flown in a loop around the deck of the Bush class aircraft carrier. It was also driven around on the deck in taxi mode through various landing and takeoff maneuvers.
The MQ-25 stingray, which is being built by Boeing under a development contract, is a carrier-based, unmanned aerial tanker that can be controlled by an F/A-18 Super Hornet or E-2D Advanced Hawkeye pilot mid-flight while performing its core tanking mission. Although the drone will be able to fit into operations on a carrier deck or in the air, it will require additional training and guidance.
MQ25 Stingray Drone
For its Carrier-Based Aerial Refueling System, (CBARS), the US Navy has developed the mq-25-stingray. It is intended to be operated only by warrant officers. The mq-25 stingray will eventually replace the current fleets of Lockheed Martin F-35C fighters and Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets.
The MQ-25 is currently being developed at the Boeing facility, St Louis, Missouri, USA. It is currently undergoing testing to prepare for its maiden flight, 2021. The MQ-25 will be able to refuel aircraft using the standard probe-and-drogue method, similar to that used by the Navy's existing aircraft.
Boeing is developing the mq-25 under an $805 million development contract. It will be a key component of the carrier-based, unmanned aerial fueling program that will be worth billions to US Navy in the future. This is the first step in a journey that will ultimately result in more than 70 of these drones in the Navy's fleet.