Rolls-Royce powers unmanned U.S. Navy MQ-25A Stingray first flight; milestone toward Milestone C and carrier integration tests
Rolls-Royce powers unmanned U.S. Navy MQ-25A to successful first flight | Rolls-Royce
Monday 27 April 2026 10:55 AM
Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY) powered the first flight of the U.S. Navy MQ-25A Stingray™ on April 25, marking a pivotal program milestone that moves the unmanned platform closer to a Milestone C decision and aircraft carrier integration testing. A single AE 3007N engine, part of the proven and reliable Rolls-Royce AE engine family, powers the Stingray, whose refueling capabilities will significantly extend the strike distance of the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) while allowing Carrier Strike Groups (CSG) to operate at a greater distance from threats. The Rolls-Royce powered MQ-25A will keep service members safer and directly support credible maritime domain security and awareness capabilities, a key focus of the National Defense Strategy. While its primary role is aerial refueling, the MQ-25A is also equipped for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The high-bypass-ratio (5:1) architecture of the AE 3007N demonstrates a low specific fuel consumption (SFC) value that is a key enabler for these types of long-endurance missions. During its two-hour first flight, the Stingray autonomously executed a digitally programmed mission plan including taxi, take-off, flight maneuvers and landing. The flight further validated the seamless integration of the AE 3007N engine and the aircraft, as well as the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System MD-5 ground control station that links the entire platform.