Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Development Program (ADP), also known as its Skunk Works, which is responsible for many famous military aircraft designs has released a video of its unmanned-carrier based MQ-25 stealth tanker plane. The video sheds light on the U.S. Navy’s carrier deck of the future with its purpose-built MQ-25 concept.
The Skunk Works® purpose-built MQ-25 unmanned tanker concept is designed to deliver robust refueling capability to support our combat strike fighters and extend the range of our aircraft carriers. Our offering builds on our unmanned systems legacy including the RQ-170 to bring proven, low-risk approaches to our design.
Rather than repurposing an aircraft design originally focused on a different mission, our purpose-built MQ-25 is optimized for probe and drogue tanking performance and carrier integration to meet the Navy’s critical refueling needs while also providing opportunity for capability growth. Our experience extends from the KC-130J, S-3, open mission systems, and our recent carrier integration and maritime aircraft experience including the F-35B, F-35C and CH-53.
Our MQ-25 approach also harnesses the Skunk Work’s unique ability to rapidly and affordably develop systems to fill critical national needs, ensuring it will meet the Navy’s desire to accelerate delivery of an operational capability. Skunk Works is honored to partner with the Navy to develop a game-changing MQ-25 system.
Source: Lockheed Martin
Steve Schneider
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