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A Boeing-led team has virtually demonstrated refuelling between an F/A-18 Super Hornet and an unmanned MQ-25 Stingray via manned-unmanned teaming technology, according to the American multinational corporation.
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In a simulator lab, personnel reportedly demonstrated an F/A-18 pilot commanding an unmanned MQ-25 to release a refuelling drogue and refuel the Super Hornet in a virtual environment, using existing communications links on both platforms.
“MQ-25 is designed to typically receive commands from air vehicle pilots on an aircraft carrier. This software will add a second option, enabling pilots to initiate commands right from their cockpit,” according to F/A-18 new product development lead Alex Ewing.
The testing is expected to help inform future US Navy use and have the potential to deploy the teaming capability on both F/A-18 Block II and III Super Hornets.
The new software is a maturation of tests Boeing has previously done. In addition to the upgraded software, test teams pulled in hardware and datalinks already installed on both platforms to run the finalised software, further proving Boeing’s readiness to deliver this capability to the Navy.
The Boeing-created software is expected to significantly reduce the time it takes for an F/A-18 to communicate with an MQ-25, giving pilots greater flexibility in refuelling from longer distances.
“The goal of the demonstrations was to make manned-unmanned teaming refuelling as real as possible,” said Advanced MQ-25 program director Juan Cajigas.
“Aerial refuelling is like a ballet as two airplanes come together. To be able to direct the activities via a single pilot, safely and efficiently, is a major step forward in aerial refuelling technology.”
The unmanned aircraft system is designed as a robust refuelling capability for the US by extending the combat range of deployed aircraft such as Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Boeing EA-18G Growler, and Lockheed Martin F-35C fighters.
In 2021, the MQ-25 T1 test asset was successfully integrated into the carrier environment, where a demonstration aboard the USS George HW Bush confirmed the functionality, capability and handling qualities of the unmanned aircraft’s deck handling system.
Once operational as the first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft, the MQ-25 is expected to refuel every receiver-capable carrier-based aircraft and provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
