PATUXENT RIVER — The U.S. Navy’s MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aerial refueling aircraft completed its first test flight April 25 from Boeing’s facility at MidAmerica Airport in Mascoutah, Illinois, marking a significant milestone for future carrier-based unmanned operations that will be further developed at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
The aircraft lifted off at 10:49 a.m. CDT and remained airborne for approximately two hours. Navy and Boeing Air Vehicle Pilots controlled the Stingray from the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System MD-5 ground control station, which incorporates Lockheed Martin’s MDCX system. During the flight, pilots performed a series of maneuvers to validate basic flight controls, engine performance and handling characteristics.
“Achieving this first flight underscores the strong partnership between the Navy and our industry partners,” said Rear Adm. Tony Rossi, Program Executive Officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons. “The MQ-25A is not just an aircraft; it’s the first step in integrating unmanned aerial refueling onto the carrier deck, directly enabling our manned fighters to fly further and faster. This capability is vital to the future of naval aviation.”
The MQ-25A Stingray is the Navy’s first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft system. Designed primarily as an aerial refueling tanker, it will assume that mission from crewed fighters, extending the combat range and strike capability of carrier air wings.
“I am incredibly proud of the team for working tirelessly over the last several months to achieve this milestone,” said Capt. Daniel Fucito, Unmanned Carrier Aviation program manager (PMA-268). “The successful first flight officially initiates the rigorous flight test program, which will focus on expanding the aircraft’s performance envelope and verifying all mission systems.”
The integrated test team will now focus on ground control station integration, expanding the flight envelope and verifying performance parameters. The aircraft is scheduled to ferry to Naval Air Station Patuxent River later this year for continued testing.
For Southern Maryland, the MQ-25A program represents a major boost to the region’s longstanding role as a center for naval aviation research, development, testing and evaluation. NAS Patuxent River, home to the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, serves as the primary East Coast hub for such advanced aircraft programs. The Stingray’s arrival will bring additional engineering, technical and support jobs while reinforcing the economic importance of the base to Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.
The Stingray program advances the Navy’s broader goal of integrating unmanned systems into carrier operations, allowing manned aircraft to focus on higher-risk missions while extending overall reach and persistence of the carrier strike group. Successful testing at Patuxent River will be critical to maturing the platform before it joins the fleet.
Local leaders and defense community members view the MQ-25A as another example of Southern Maryland’s critical contribution to national defense innovation. The base already supports thousands of military personnel, civilians and contractors, and programs like the Stingray help sustain that workforce and attract new talent to the region’s aerospace and engineering sectors.
Testing at Pax River will include expanded flight envelopes, mission system verification and integration with carrier environments. The data gathered will help ensure the aircraft meets stringent Navy requirements for reliability and performance in operational settings.
The successful first flight comes as the Navy continues to modernize its carrier air wings for future conflicts, where extended range and unmanned capabilities are expected to play decisive roles. Southern Maryland residents can take pride in knowing that the testing and refinement of this game-changing technology will occur right here at home at NAS Patuxent River.
