Liebherr joins US unmanned tanker effort
Boeing has selected Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg to supply the tailhook actuator for the MQ-25A Stingray air-to-air refuelling UAV.
The German company will also support additional qualification tests. ‘Liebherr has developed unique high-performance and high-reliability technologies that particularly fit the severe environment that the MQ-25A tailhook actuator will be operating in,’ it noted on 9 February.
The actuator will retract and extend the tailhook, which will enable the MQ-25A (the first operational carrier-based UAV for the USN) to decelerate rapidly for landings on flight decks.
Boeing could deliver more than 70 Stingrays to the USN for around $13 billion. Seven MQ-25As have been ordered to date and IOC is expected in 2024, according to Shephard Defence Insight.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
MQ-25 Stingray (Contracted) [USA]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Exail to supply Caméléon unmanned demining robots to Belgium Armed Forces
The Caméléon LG UGV includes remote operational capabilities and real-time hazard detection.
-
Strategic overview: The Ukraine conflict’s robotic armies
Kiev and Moscow have been competing over who can better harness the ongoing revolution in military affairs caused by AI-controlled and human-operated robots and drones.
-
More Russian UAS go astray while attacking Ukraine
This time, the UAS flew into NATO airspace, though there is no evidence that they did so deliberately.
-
UAVs in multiple classes proliferate in South Korea
South Korea is rapidly advancing its UAV programmes and counter-drone capabilities in response to increasing threats from North Korea’s unmanned aerial systems.