MQ-25 T1 test asset transfers fuel to a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet
|
|
The Boeing MQ-25 T1 test asset transfers fuel to a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet on June 4, marking the first time in history that an unmanned aircraft has refueled another aircraft.
|
The MQ-25 Stingray will assume the carrier-based tanking role currently performed by F/A-18s, allowing for better use of the combat strike fighters and helping extend the range of the carrier air wing.
During the initial part of the flight, the F/A-18 test pilot flew in close formation behind MQ-25 to ensure performance and stability prior to refueling. The maneuver required as little as 20 feet of separation between the two aircraft, both flying at operationally relevant speeds and altitudes. When the MQ-25 drogue was extended, the F/A-18 pilot moved in to “plug” with the unmanned aircraft and receive the scheduled fuel offload.
Photo by Kevin Flynn
Similar news
-
Turkish defense industry thrives as Akıncı UCAV inks 1st export deal -
Turkey’s Baykar, Ukrainian firm ink deal for unmanned aircraft engine -
Turkey’s Baykar to soon test-fly sea-based UAVs as orders boom -
Turkish navy receives first Aksungur UAV -
Zala Aero Drone Performs 12 Hour Flight Without Satellite Navigation -
IAI debuts new hybrid ground robot joining the UK army inventory -
General Dynamics opens new unmanned underwater vehicle manufacturing center -
Turkish shipyard develops anti-submarine drone
Latest
-
Nanotechnology in the Military -
Violent non-state actors and their types -
The history of cybersecurity -
Quantum mechanics in military applications -
Hybrid War: Old Concept, New Techniques "/>
Hybrid War: Old Concept, New Techniques -
A History Of Artificial Intelligence -
Turkish defense industry thrives as Akıncı UCAV inks 1st export deal -
Turkey’s Baykar, Ukrainian firm ink deal for unmanned aircraft engine -
Turkey’s Baykar to soon test-fly sea-based UAVs as orders boom -
Turkish navy receives first Aksungur UAV -
Zala Aero Drone Performs 12 Hour Flight Without Satellite Navigation -
IAI debuts new hybrid ground robot joining the UK army inventory -
Elbit Systems Develops AI-Powered Computerized Solution for Assault Rifles -
South Korea defense budget set to rise 4.5%, roughly matching Japan -
General Dynamics opens new unmanned underwater vehicle manufacturing center -
Turkish shipyard develops anti-submarine drone -
IAI to supply remote patrol vehicles to British Army -
Security forces get Akıncı, Turkey’s most advanced drone to date
"/>
Security forces get Akıncı, Turkey’s most advanced drone to date
