Boeing has unveiled for the first time what it considers the UAS system (unmanned aircraft system) better suited to refueling the US Navy planes.
Through the MQ-25 competition, the US Navy is looking for unmanned supply units that would extend the combat capabilities of the Boeing F / A-18 Super Hornets, the Boeing EA-18G Growler and the Lockheed Martin F-35C. MQ-25 will also have to integrate perfectly with the launch and recovery systems of the aircraft carriers.
"Boeing has been supplying Navy aircraft for almost 90 years", said Don 'BD' Gaddis, a retired admiral who leads the program of supply systems for the Phantom Works of Boeing. "Our experience makes us confident. We will be ready for flight tests when the engineering and manufacturing contract is awarded."
The UAS is completing engine tests before moving on to demonstrations of handling on flight decks, scheduled at the beginning of the 2018.
The US Navy has applied for proposals in October: they are expected by January 3.
(photo: Boeing)
