Boeing Unveils MQ-25 Stingray - Unmanned Carrier-Launched Tanker Prototype

Boeing released a photo of its MQ-25 Stingray prototype, an unmanned carrier-based tanker aircraft. Boeing is vying for a Navy contract to build unmanned tankers for aircraft carriers. The U.S. Navy is looking for an unmanned tanker that will fly missions to extend the range of Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, and F-35C Lightning II fighters.

Boeing's design features robust landing gear for carrier operations and a low-observable configuration. The prototype will undergo engine tests before conducting flight ramp and deck handling trials on an aircraft carrier early next year. After the handling demonstrations, Boeing will need to launch the MQ-25 off a carrier deck using existing catapult system for its first flight.

Lockheed Martin and General Atomics are also expected to submit a proposal for the MQ-25 contract. 

Popular Mechanics

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Secret 1960s Stealth Aircraft Unveiled

Boeing revealed secret project Model 853 "Quiet Bird".





Photo from Boeing

ARS Technica

Boeing

Boeing and BAE System to Develop New EW Suite for F-15

The US Air Force has selected Boeing as the prime contractor to install a new, all-digital Electronic Warfare suite for its F-15 fleet. BAE Systems will be the subcontractor to develop the new Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS).

The program is valued at $4 billion and will replace the legacy Tactical Electronic Warfare System on 413 F-15Es and F-15Cs.

The EPAWSS will providing both offensive and defensive electronic warfare capabilities with fully integrated radar warning, geo-location, situational awareness, and self-protection solutions.  The upgrade will allow the F-15 to detect and defeat airborne threats in signal-dense contested and highly contested environments. It will also allow the F-15 penetrate an enemy's modern integrated air defense systems.

The EPAWSS program is part of a larger effort to upgrade the F-15 fleet to allow it to remain combat effective through to 2040.  US Air Force is also procuring a long-wave infrared search and track (IRST) for the F-15Cs for their air superiority missions. The IRST will allow beyond-visual range (BVR) identification of enemy aircraft, allowing the operators to discern the number and possibly type of aircraft flying in a formation.

Aviation Week

Air Force Times

BAE Systems

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