Boeing MQ-25 Refuels U.S. Navy F/A-18

Check out more views of the MQ-25 T1 test asset's historic flight, when it became the first unmanned aircraft to ever refuel another aircraft — piloted or autonomous — during flight. During a June 2021 flight test, the #MQ25 T1 test asset transferred fuel to an F/A-18 Super Hornet. This air-to-air footage was captured by videographers in two chase planes, a King Air 300 and an A4.

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[joebobtnvs]

I just love the corporate pop playing over these absolute marvels of engineering

[rosalievaneck]

This is giving me "goosebumps." Never imagined a Drone refueler refueling a Fighter Jet. Wow. Thank you.

[satvikkrishna]

So thats why Tanker Aircraft pilots have to update their resume!

[trenthari]

I worked on designing a part for that aircraft

[hectorherbert]

Airbus/Dassault are building a similar system for refueling fighters (+other missions) and the Pilot basically takes flight control of the drone as he approaches it, in fact his jet stays put while he directs the basket to his refueling probe.

[josephmartin]

What a beautiful sight ! The next version should carry 2 engines and 40.000 lb of fuel, 2 full loads and able to hang around waiting . 300 Jets and with these refueling drone and plane capabilities rule the Indo Pacific . A float - pontoons version ? Ready to take off when the Jets need it ?

[justana]

Can this refuelling method be used on all Boeing aircraft with the mid air refuelling capability?

[tossedsaladandscrambledegg]

Great historical contrast, Skynet refueler, SuperHornet and an A-4. A-4s have been flying for 67 years.

[terryfreeman]

If it wasn't for the historic moment, and the accomplished mission, I would have thought that I was in a elevator. 😁

[jacobdavidcunningham]

that intro note, look at this photograph
scene from the movie Stealth

[kenny-kent]

Idk what to say
IT'S BEAUTIFUL!!!

[papipc]

This is a perfect demonstration of how a baby F/A-18 with a buddy pod is made

[thepilotman]

The A-4 chase plane... Imagine what the people that flew those aircraft when they were new would think of this

[standapp]

So between this, predator drones and the QF-16 you got fully remotely controlled, extended capability aerial support over a huge area with potentially zero lives at risk or at least minimal direct human involvement in the air.

[Wadethewallaby]

I live not far from Scott Air Force Base.

[crtupper]

Interesting, but I can't imagine much of a fuel load to transfer. I'm sure this is just a proof of concept thing

[Hotwwhheels]

Hello fellow ace combat players looking for ace combat related comments

[sergiodesouzajunior]

Compro 500 unidades para a força aéria brasileira

[experimental_av]

How about turning this into an unmanned fire fighting drone instead of another war toy?

[MostafaMansoori]

Nice music, great job Boeing, amazing F/A-18 Super Hornet coming to Microsoft Flight Simulator on the new Xbox Series X console this November 2021, the free Top Gun Expansion Pack this fall 2021.