The demonstration was intended to ensure the design of the MQ-25 to evaluate the functionality, capability and handling qualities of the deck handling system both in day and night conditions.
21 December 2021: In a milestone achievement Boeing successfully maneuvered the Boeing-owned T1 test asset on US Navy aircraft for the first time. This is said to be an early step forward in ensuring the MQ-25 unmanned aerial refueler will seamlessly integrate into carrier operations.
Capt. Chad Reed, Unmanned Carrier Aviation program manager said, “This is another significant step forward in demonstrating MQ-25’s integration into the Carrier Air Wing on the flight deck of our Fleet’s aircraft carriers. The success of this event is a testament to the hard work of our engineers, testers, operators and the close collaboration and teaming from Naval Air Force Atlantic and the crew aboard CVN 77.”
The demonstration was intended to ensure the design of the MQ-25 will successfully integrate into the carrier environment and to evaluate the functionality, capability and handling qualities of the deck handling system both in day and night conditions. Maneuvers included taxiing on the deck, connecting to the catapult, clearing the landing area and parking on the deck.
Jim Young, MQ-25 chief engineer said, “The Navy has a rigorous, well-established process for moving aircraft on the carrier. Our goal was to ensure the MQ-25 fits into the process without changing it. From the design of the aircraft to the design of the system moving it, our team has worked hard to make the MQ-25 carrier suitable in every way.”
Dave Bujold, Boeing MQ-25 program director said, “The Navy gave us two key performance parameters for the program – aerial refueling and integration onto the carrier deck. We’ve shown that the MQ-25 can meet both requirements, and we’ve done it years earlier than traditional acquisition programs.”
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The deck handling demonstration followed a two-year flight test campaign for the Boeing-owned T1 test asset, during which the Boeing and Navy team refueled three different carrier-based aircraft – an F/A-18 Super Hornet, an E-2D Hawkeye and an F-35C Lightning II.
