6 April 2020:Boeing is awarded with a USD 84.7 million contract for modification of three additional MQ-25 unmanned aerial refuelling aircraft. This brings the total number of aircraft Boeing is manufacturing to seven.
"We're honoured to have the Navy's confidence in our system design and performance that is evident from this additional order," said Dave Bujold, Boeing's MQ-25 program director. "This order establishes uninterrupted production of the first MQ-25 aircraft and lines up with the Navy's MQ-25 test and training plans for fleet introduction. The MQ-25 program is vital in ensuring the Navy can deliver a critical unmanned aerial refuelling capability to the carrier air wing."
Early flight testing of Boeing's MQ-25 test asset, T1, is contributing to program progress. The company recently concluded the first round of flight testing for T1, resulting in nearly 30 hours in the air at various speeds and altitudes. The aircraft is now undergoing a planned modification that includes installation of an aerial refuelling store (ARS) under the left wing. Flight testing with the ARS will resume later this year.