General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has revealed the details of new industry partnerships, which have been signed in support of the US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial refuelling system.

The purpose-built MQ-25A Stingray drone has been designed by GA-ASI to carry out tanking missions and provide fuel to naval vessels.

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Its refuelling capabilities are expected to more than double the range of the Carrier Air Wing.

GA-ASI president David R. Alexander said: “As the world’s premier quick reaction unmanned aircraft system manufacturer, we are committed to delivering the most effective, affordable, sustainable, and adaptable carrier-based aerial refuelling system at the lowest technical and schedule risk.

"This collaboration of the best in the aerospace industry will provide the US Navy with a fleet-ready unmanned tanker with exceptional growth, well within the navy’s preferred timeline."

“This collaboration of the best in the aerospace industry will provide the US Navy with a fleet-ready unmanned tanker with exceptional growth, well within the navy’s preferred timeline.”

The list of industry partners for the development includes Boeing Autonomous Systems, which has offered its aviation and autonomous experience to GA-ASI’s MQ-25 proposal.

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The MQ-25 Stingray will be equipped with Pratt & Whitney’s advanced, high-bypass PW815 commercial engine, as well as landing gear designed and developed by UTC Aerospace Systems.

It will also be integrated with GKN Aerospace’s carrier tail hook technologies for the aerial system’s arresting hook.

L3 Technologies will be responsible for designing and building the communications systems, while BAE Systems will offer a range of software capabilities such as mission planning and cyber-security.

In addition, Rockwell Collins will deliver advanced navigation technologies for the GA-ASI system.

Other companies involved in the collaboration include General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems and General Atomics Systems Integration.

Boeing, General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman are the four companies currently competing for the contract to build the US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray.

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