Aurora Flight Sciences highlights its role in supporting the MQ-25A Stingray™, the U.S. Navy’s unmanned aerial refueler.
The company provided manufacturing, engineering, and software expertise that contributed to the aircraft’s readiness ahead of the successful first flight of the first MQ-25A flight test aircraft on April 25.
Manufacturing Components for Carrier-Based Operations
Aurora produced 145 components and assemblies for the flight test aircraft at its facilities in Mississippi and West Virginia. This work included nearly the entire exterior surface of the aircraft, which consists of lightweight, high-strength composite skins designed to withstand the harsh, corrosive conditions associated with carrier-based operations.
Aurora engineers in Virginia also designed and analyzed several components, including the tail stabilators, fuselage edges, and engine inlet.
Across multiple MQ-25A aircraft builds, Aurora has delivered more than 1,100 components and assemblies. The company’s Mississippi team delivers the majority of these parts, including fuselage skins, door assemblies, and wing components, while the West Virginia team supplies the complete tail assembly as well as airframe, fuselage, and wing parts.
Supporting Autonomous Flight Software Development
Aurora also supported flight software development by embedding software and autonomy engineers within a unified Boeing team.
The MQ-25A is an autonomous aircraft that responds to commands from Air Vehicle Pilots operating through the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System MD-5 Ground Control Station (GCS). This enables the aircraft to taxi, take off, fly, and land autonomously.
Aurora engineers contributed to Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems, streamlined software-directed mission procedures, and validated software performance in demanding operational environments. According to the company, this work helps improve aircraft safety and reliability during changing conditions and operations, including wind, turbulence, ship-relative maneuvers, and catapult launches.
Supporting Future Naval Aviation Operations
As the U.S. Navy’s first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft, the MQ-25A Stingray is intended to extend the reach of the carrier air wing through unmanned aerial refueling and manned-unmanned teaming.
Aurora Flight Sciences’ contributions to manufacturing, engineering, and software development support technologies being incorporated into the aircraft as the program progresses toward operational service.
For more information, visit the Aurora Flight Sciences website.
