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Unison Hardware Supports Milestone First Flight of Unmanned U.S. Navy MQ-25A

On April 25, the Navy MQ-25A Stingray completed its first flight, marking a major milestone for Unison, which supplied key engine control systems. The event confirms the successful performance of Unison's intelligent control hardware on the new unmanned aircraft.
Designed as the Navy's first carrier-based unmanned refueling aircraft, the MQ-25A aims to extend the operational range of the carrier air wing. Boeing leadership described it as "the most complex autonomous system ever developed for the carrier environment."
Unison manufactures components in Jacksonville, Florida; Norwich, New York; and Saltillo, Mexico. The aircraft, powered by a Rolls-Royce AE 3007N engine, utilizes Unison's ignition system, permanent magnet alternator , and trim plug.
During the two-hour first flight, the MQ-25A autonomously demonstrated taxiing, takeoff, and landing capabilities. The aircraft verified flight controls and seamless integration with the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System MD-5 Ground Control Station.
Navy leaders labeled the event "a landmark achievement," a critical step toward a future carrier air wing blending manned and unmanned aircraft. This integration enables F/A-18 Super Hornets to focus on primary multi-role strike missions.

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Unison Hardware Supports Milestone First Flight of Unmanned U.S. Navy MQ-25A

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Unison, a GE Aerospace company, is proud to have supported the first flight of the U.S. Navy MQ-25A Stingray™ unmanned aircraft, a major milestone achieved on April 25. The aircraft, powered by the…

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