MQ-25 Stingray

The MQ-25 Stingray unmanned carrier aviation air system (UCAAS),[1] formerly the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System (CBARS), is a planned unmanned combat aerial system (UCAV) that resulted from the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike program. On 1 February 2016, after many delays over whether the UCLASS would specialize in strike or Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles, it was reported that a significant portion of the UCLASS effort would be directed to produce a Super Hornet-sized carrier-based aerial tanker as the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System (CBARS), with "a little ISR" and some capabilities to relay communications, and strike capabilities put off to a future version of the aircraft. In July 2016, it was officially named "MQ-25A Stingray".[2]

The Pentagon chose this in order to address the Navy's expected fighter shortfall by directing funds to buy additional Super Hornets and accelerate purchases and development of the F-35C, quickly getting F-35C's into production and promoting the concept that they can strike at things. It will likely be a wing-body-tail configuration that will limit its ability to strike in contested airspaces, but favors cost and Boeing and General Atomics submissions. Having the CBARS as the first carrier-based UAV provides a less-complex bridge to the future F/A-XX, should it be an autonomous strike platform. It also addresses the carriers' need for an organic refueling aircraft, proposed as a mission for the UCLASS since 2014, freeing up the 20-30 percent of Super Hornets performing the mission in a more capable and cost effective manner than modifying the F-35, V-22 Osprey, and E-2D Hawkeye, or bringing the retired S-3 Viking back into service.[3][4][5]

Although initially designated the RAQ-25, the designation was changed to MQ-25 Stingray. Stealth requirements will be "descoped" and it can still be capable of firing missiles or dropping bombs from drop tank pylons, but surveillance and destroying targets will not be its main mission. Reducing the low-observable requirement is expected to make things easier for existing UCLASS competitors, and open the competition to new entrants. An RFP for the air vehicle is expected in late 2016, followed by a fly-off through 2017, one prime contractor selected in 2018, and first delivery in 2021.[6]

Rear Adm. Michael Manazir has suggested that three of these UCAVs could fly with a F-35 for refueling and sensor operation.[7]

References

  1. ↑ Trimble, Stephen (20 October 2016). "USN awards MQ-25 risk reduction contract to Northrop Grumman". www.flightglobal.com. RBI. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  2. ↑ LaGrone, Sam (15 July 2016). "It's Official: 'MQ-25A Stingray' U.S. Navy's Name For First Carrier UAV". news.usni.org. news.usni.org. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  3. ↑ Good-Bye, UCLASS; Hello, Unmanned Tanker, More F-35Cs In 2017 Budget - Breakingdefense.com, 1 February 2016
  4. ↑ US Navy’s Unmanned Jet Could Be a Tanker - Defensenews.com, 1 February 2016
  5. ↑ Pentagon to Navy: Convert UCLASS Program Into Unmanned Aerial Tanker, Accelerate F-35 Development, Buy More Super Hornets - News.USNI.org, 1 February 2016
  6. ↑ Drew, James (11 March 2016). "US Navy descoping stealth requirement for Stingray tanking UAV". flightglobal.com. RBI. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
  7. ↑ Whittle, Richard (22 March 2016). "Navy Refueling Drone May Tie Into F-35s". breakingdefense.com. Breaking Media, Inc. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
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