The Skunk Works MQ-25 Stingray offering builds on Lockheed Martin unmanned systems legacy including the RQ-170
The cool video in this post shows Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division MQ-25 Stingray concept in action.
The Skunk Works purpose-built MQ-25 unmanned tanker concept is designed to deliver robust refueling capability to support U.S. combat strike fighters and extend the range of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. The Skunk Works offering builds on the division unmanned systems legacy including the RQ-170 to bring proven, low-risk approaches to the design.
According Lockheed Martin, rather than repurposing an aircraft design originally focused on a different mission, Skunk Works purpose-built MQ-25 is optimized for probe and drogue tanking performance and carrier integration to meet the Navy’s critical refueling needs while also providing opportunity for capability growth. Noteworthy the division experience extends from the KC-130J, S-3, open mission systems, and its recent carrier integration and maritime aircraft experience including the F-35B, F-35C and CH-53.
Skunk Works MQ-25 approach also harnesses the divion’s unique ability to rapidly and affordably develop systems to fill critical national needs, ensuring it will meet the Navy’s desire to accelerate delivery of an operational capability.
The MQ-25 Stingray unmanned carrier aviation air system (UCAAS), formerly the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System (CBARS), is a planned unmanned combat aerial system (UCAS) that resulted from the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike program.
Photo credit: Screenshot from video
