Unison Hardware Plays Key Role in First Flight of Navy's MQ-25A Stingray Unmanned Aircraft

Unison Hardware Supports Milestone First Flight of MQ-25A Stingray

Unison, a prominent GE Aerospace subsidiary, recently achieved a significant milestone by supporting the historical debut flight of the U.S. Navy's MQ-25A Stingray unmanned aircraft on April 25, 2026. This pivotal moment underscores both the advancements in drone technology and the evolving landscape of naval aviation. The MQ-25A marks a new era for the Navy, serving as the first carrier-based unmanned aerial refueling platform.

The MQ-25A Stingray is powered by the Rolls-Royce AE 3007N engine, which includes several critical subsystems designed and manufactured by Unison. The company's contributions notably included the ignition system, exciter, leads, a permanent magnet alternator (PMA), and trim plug. These sophisticated systems have undergone rigorous qualification tests at Unison's facilities, strategically located in Jacksonville, Florida; Norwich, New York; and Saltillo, Mexico.

During the recent flight, which lasted two hours, the MQ-25A showcased its impressive capabilities by autonomously taxiing, taking off, flying, landing, and responding to commands from the Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System MD-5 Ground Control Station (GCS). This flight adhered to a meticulously planned mission profile, ensuring that the aircraft's flight controls, navigation performance, and integration with the ground control system were effectively validated. The successful flight serves as a testament to the reliability of the propulsion systems supplied by Unison.

Boeing's leadership hailed the MQ-25A as the