The U.S. Navy has reached a new milestone in the MQ-25A Stingray program by completing the platform’s first two-hour autonomous flight, powered by the Rolls-Royce AE 3007N engine. Conducted in collaboration between Boeing and Rolls-Royce, the tests operationally validated the unmanned tanker aircraft’s ability to take off, maneuver, and land in accordance with a digital mission plan.
Optimized Performance with the AE 3007N
With the flight carried out on April 25, Rolls-Royce obtained a critical dataset for system integration within the MQ-25A program. At the core of the platform, the AE 3007N engine features a high-bypass ratio of 5:1, enabling low specific fuel consumption (SFC). This allows the unmanned aircraft to effectively support both aerial refueling missions and long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
During the two-hour test flight, the MQ-25A also demonstrated autonomous taxiing, takeoff, and landing, while proving data link compatibility with the MD-5 ground control station. The flight confirmed the engine’s aerodynamic and software integration with the aircraft under operational conditions.
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Strategic Range and Operational Security
Aerial refueling—the MQ-25A’s primary mission—will enable Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) to conduct operations from safer distances without exposure to enemy air defense systems. Meagan Rater, Director of Defense Advanced Programs at Rolls-Royce North America, noted that the high performance of the AE engine family enhances personnel safety while directly supporting the National Defense Strategy’s maritime domain awareness objectives.
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Source: C4Defence-Rolls-Royce
