The U.S. Navy’s first production-representative MQ-25A Stingray completed its second developmental test flight on 10 July 2026, executing its first airborne landing gear cycle to validate autonomous flight control logic ahead of carrier trials[1][3]. Boeing Defense confirmed the unmanned tanker autonomously managed propulsion, guidance, and subsystems to retract and extend the gear while in flight, a mechanical validation essential for streamlining aerodynamics during high-speed carrier operations[1][4]. This milestone advances the program toward Initial Operational Capability in February 2029, enabling operators to double fighter jet range and reduce reliance on manned tankers in contested environments[3][6]. Testing will continue at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport before transitioning to Naval Air Station Patuxent River for carrier suitability evaluations[1][4].