World Naval Developments – More Than a Tanker?
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By Norman Friedman
October 04, 2018
The U.S. Navy has selected the Boeing MQ-25 Stingray as its first carrier-based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), to operate at least initially as a tanker. (This will free the F/A-18E/F fleet from the air-to-air refueling role that has worn it down since the S-3 Vikings were retired.) But it seems obvious that the MQ-25 was not conceived solely as a tanker.
Photographs show a stealthy shape that may not provide sufficient internal volume for the specified 15,000 pounds of fuel; possibly some will reside in external tanks. The stealthy shape, with a flush air intake on top, will increase the challenge of carrier landings. The Navy’s tanker competition did not include low-observable requirements, however, which only invites speculation given the apparent design choices.
https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2018/10/04/world_naval_developments__more_than_a_tanker_113869.html
