Boeing is developing a larger version of its MQ-25 Stingray unmanned tanker. This new model is aimed at the future plans of the U.S. Air Force to refuel aircraft from the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program in high-threat airspace.
Company representatives state that they have been working with the Air Force on a project that increases the aircraft’s wingspan from 22.9 meters to 28 meters. The new variant, which can take off from land, will no longer require foldable wings like the carrier-based version. Along with the increased wingspan, this will provide 40% more space for fuel. Boeing says that the project is being developed internally and is not directly connected to the Air Force’s ongoing analysis of alternatives for the next-generation aerial refueling system (NGAS), which is set to conclude this fall.
John Scudi, the acting head of Boeing’s MQ-25 Advanced Capabilities program and senior business development manager, stated that the aircraft will be capable of not only refueling but also carrying out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. It will also be equipped with early air warning systems and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities.
Boeing presented the project at the Air & Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference and previously shared a visualization of the design. The updated version lacks its own refueling boom, which would make it impossible to refuel U.S. Air Force combat aircraft. Therefore, the initial plan is to use a hose-and-drogue refueling system.
John Scudi adds that the new variant of the tanker could be used within the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program if the design can include a specialized probe. This probe could potentially be adapted for new generations of aircraft under the CCA program, which are expected to have different requirements.
He states that the use of the updated refueling aircraft is focused on high-risk areas where existing refuelers like the KC-46 cannot operate. The MQ-25 can refuel from the KC-46 and then move further into the high-risk area to refuel combat aircraft.
Boeing plans to capitalize on the U.S. Navy’s full investment in its record-breaking MQ-25 program, with the only change to the aircraft being extended wings. It has already considered six potential design options to increase the aircraft’s capabilities and, after many hours of modeling and simulations, decided to go with the 28-meter version. However, the new version will retain the old fuselage, systems and engine of the Rolls Royce AE 3007N.
The extended wings will not only allow the aircraft to carry more fuel but also add two additional pylon stations with a capacity of 3,000 pounds each. These can carry refueling equipment or other systems, including weapons.
Source: aviationweek
