Plane of the Day: MQ-25 Stingray

The MQ-25 Stingray is the world's first operational carrier-based autonomous aircraft. many people don't realize how different carrier-based planes are from normal planes. They need to be able to takeoff from a short landing strip, normally with the assistance of a catapult (which also requires structural compatibility), land on a short runway and be able to hook onto an "arrestor wire", or a wire that catches onto a hook on the plane's underside to slow it down. The hook is being caught on the wire at extremely high speeds, so it has to be very strong, which involves reinforcing the entire structure of the plane. A carrier-based refueling drone allows the Navy to refuel fighter aircraft without endangering any crew, increasing the range potential of missions.

Specifications

Country of Origin: United States

Speed: Not officially verified

Armament: 2 AGM-158C LRASM anti-ship missiles

Range: 580 mi when carrying 16,000 lbs of fuel

Service Ceiling: 45,000 ft (unverified)

Powerplant: 1 Rolls-Royce AE 3007N turbofan engine

Max Takeoff Weight: Not officially confirmed

Length: 51 ft

Wingspan: 75 ft

Height: 9.8 ft

Crew: Unmanned