Accession Number: 2022-020-14
Original work: Oil on Linen
Original size: 14 by 32 inches
On June 4, 2021 the U.S. Navy performed its first-ever aerial refueling between a manned aircraft and a tanker unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV.) The tanker was a MQ-25 Stingray owned by Boeing and the Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet was flown by two aviators from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 at NAS Patuxent River, who were in radio contact with the drone operator at a ground station; both aircraft flying the test mission out of Mid-America Airport in Mascoutah, Illinois.
Several “dry” connections and disconnections were made first to test procedures at 10,000’, followed by a “wet connection” in which the drone passed 300 pounds of fuel to the fighter. Another wet connection was made at 16,000’ transferring 25 pounds of fuel. The aircraft were connected for more than ten minutes during the test flight.
Subsequent compatibility tests have also been conducted with the F-35C and E-2D aircraft. The Navy plans to take delivery of seven engineering and manufacturing development UAVs to conduct more thorough testing around the fall of 2022 from a carrier and anticipates operational capability in 2025.
Reproduction Size:
If not indicated, the average reproduction is approximately 20x26 inches. All reproductions are custom printed and can be printed/framed to various sizes. We are happy to quote various options. Contact Us
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