Rolls-Royce has powered the first flight of the U.S. Navy MQ-25A Stingray, 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 refuelling 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.
Meagan Rater, Rolls-Royce Director of U.S. Mature Programs, Defense, said: “The Rolls-Royce AE 3007N engine was integral to the successful first flight of the MQ-25A Stingray, which will greatly enhance the range and capability of the U.S. Carrier Air Wing. We are honoured the U.S. Navy has, once again, put its trust in our proven, reliable family of high-performance AE engines for this critical new unmanned platform. We continue to work closely with the U.S. Navy and Boeing to make the MQ-25A a reality for our service members, giving them a key strategic advantage in contested environments.”
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 United States’ National Defence Strategy.
While its primary role is aerial refuelling, 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 manoeuvres 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.
Rolls-Royce expects to deliver four more AE 3007N engines to Boeing in 2026 to support production spares. The overall program of record for the MQ-25A Stingray covers 76 aircraft (plus spare engines).
In all, AE engines power sixteen different commercial and military platforms worldwide. More than 7,500 American-made AE engines have been delivered, amassing over 90 million flight hours. In 2024 alone, Rolls-Royce operations contributed $6.2 billion to the U.S. economy.
Image: Courtesy of Boeing
