Lockheed Martin Skunk Works MDCX command-and-control platform managed the first flight of the U.S. Navy MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aerial refueling aircraft.
The two-hour flight took place on April 25 from Boeing facility at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutche, Illinois. The aircraft took off at 10:49 a.m. CDT, autonomously taxied, took off, flew, and landed while responding to commands from the Navy Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System MD-5 ground control station. U.S. Navy and Boeing air vehicle pilots validated basic flight controls, engine performance, and handling characteristics during pre-planned maneuvers.
MDCX software forms the core of the MD-5 station and was selected in 2020 as the ground control component for Boeing MQ-25A program. Our MDCX open architecture C2 solution integrated seamlessly with a Boeing MQ-25A, delivering secure UAV control for its first flight, said OJ Sanchez of Skunk Works.
U.S. Navy officials noted the flight demonstrates safe control of unmanned aircraft from carrier-based systems and advances integration into future air wing operations. Rear Adm. Tony Rossi, Program Executive Officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons, described the MQ-25A as the initial step for carrier-based unmanned aerial refueling to extend manned fighters range.