Navy's MQ-25A Stingray Completes First Automatic Landing Gear Retraction
The unmanned aerial refueling tanker successfully retracted its landing gear mid-flight during a test in Illinois.
The U.S. Navy's MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aerial tanker has successfully completed its first automatic landing gear retraction. The milestone occurred during a test flight in Illinois, where footage captured the aircraft retracting its own landing gear while airborne.
This advancement represents a step forward in the development of the carrier-based, autonomous refueling drone. The MQ-25A is designed to extend the operational range of carrier-based fighter jets, allowing them to conduct missions further from the aircraft carrier.
The Stingray program aims to provide a much-needed organic aerial refueling capability for the Navy's carrier air wings. This capability is expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness and flexibility of naval aviation operations.