On August 18, 2021, the Boeing MQ-25 T1 refueled the US Navy E-2D Hawkeye command and control aircraft, marking its second successful unmanned air-to-air refueling mission.
“Once operational the MQ-25 will refuel every receiver-capable platform, including E-2,” said Capt. Chad Reed, the Navy’s Unmanned Carrier Aviation program manager. “This flight keeps us on a fast track to getting the Stingray out to the fleet where its refueling capability will greatly increase the range and operational flexibility of the carrier air wing and strike group.”
MQ-25 Stingray achieves another first, conducting aerial refueling with E-2D. @flynavy
— NAVAIR (@NAVAIRNews) August 19, 2021
Read more here: https://t.co/vWfSVaHB6l pic.twitter.com/ZU9tUiWIb0
During Boeing’s second unmanned refueling mission this summer, the E-2D pilot flew behind the MQ-25 to ensure performance and stability prior to receiving fuel. After an initial evaluation was safely completed, the E-2D aircraft received the fuel.
In its first-ever successful unmanned air-to-air refueling mission in June 2021, Boeing MQ-25 T1 test asset refueled a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet.
“This history-making event is a credit to our joint Boeing and Navy team that is all-in on delivering MQ-25’s critical aerial refueling capability to the fleet as soon as possible,” said Leanne Caret, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.