Rolls-Royce powers unmanned US Navy MQ-25A on first flight

Image courtesy Boeing

A single AE 3007N engine, part of the proven and reliable Rolls-Royce AE engine family, powers the Stingray, whose refueling 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.

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 National Defense Strategy.

While its primary role is aerial refueling, 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 maneuvers 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.

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 US Carrier Air Wing. We are honoured the US 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 US Navy and Boeing to make the MQ-25A a reality for our service members, giving them a key strategic advantage in contested environments.”

Rolls-Royce expects to deliver four more AE 3007N engines to Boeing in 2026 to support production spares. The overall programme of record for the MQ-25A Stingray covers 76 aircraft (plus spare engines).

In all, AE engines power 16 different commercial and military platforms worldwide. More than 7,500 American-made AE engines have been delivered, amassing over 90 million flight hours.

The Rolls-Royce US defence business invested $1.5 billion in its US manufacturing facilities to meet growing defence, energy and aviation needs. In 2024 alone, Rolls-Royce operations contributed $6.2 billion to the US economy.