GA-ASI’s MQ-25A Stingray offering is based on the company’s Predator C Avenger drone. (Photo courtesy General Atomics)
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) has revealed information on its entry to the U.S. Navy’s call for submissions for an MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aerial tanker, including a plethora of partnerships.
GA-ASI claimed that its offering, which is understood to be based on the company’s Predator-C Avenger drone, exceeds all the requirements laid forth by the Navy. While one stated goal for the MQ-25A was to extend a group of F/A-18 Super Hornets range from 450 to over 700 nm, GA-ASI said that its entry will “more than double the range of the carrier air wing.”
GA-ASI released a list of industry partners, in addition to other divisions of General Atomics, that will contribute to the craft it offered:
- Pratt & Whitney will provide its PW815 engine.
- Boeing (which had its own entry) will help with autonomous systems.
- L3 Technologies will design and build the communications systems.
- Rockwell Collins will provide navigation technologies.
- UTC Aerospace Systems will design and build the landing gear.
- BAE Systems will provide “a variety of software capabilities, including mission planning and cybersecurity.”
- GKN Aerospace’s Fokker subsidiary will provide the tailhook.