**Refueling Version X-47B Exposed (Figure Reward)**
On December 19th, local time in the United States, Boeing announced the bidding prototype of its participation in the US MQ-25 carrier-based unmanned tanker project on its Boeing Defense social media. The MQ-25 "Stingray" is a next-generation unmanned refueling aircraft designed for U.S. carrier-based operations. Its primary purpose is to conduct aerial refueling for carrier-based fighter jets, significantly extending their operational range and enhancing the effectiveness of naval airpower.
The MQ-25 is based on the X-47B platform, an earlier experimental unmanned combat drone developed by Northrop Grumman. According to U.S. military estimates, such refueling drones could dramatically expand the operational reach of U.S. carrier-based aircraft and provide a critical countermeasure against emerging threats, including anti-ship ballistic missiles from China.
The X-47B, which served as the foundation for the MQ-25, is a tailless, stealthy unmanned aircraft that resembles the B-2 stealth bomber. It is roughly the same size as the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and has a significant internal payload capacity. The two built-in bomb bays can each carry a 2,000-pound JDAM, making it more capable than many current drones.
Its advanced stealth features allow it to avoid radar detection across multiple frequency bands. The absence of a tail wing also enables it to perform high-angle-of-attack landings without compromising visibility. The X-47B's ultra-high internal fuel coefficient allows it to carry over 11 tons of fuel, with a maximum takeoff weight of more than 20 tons, while its empty weight is only 6 tons—eliminating human-related weight constraints.
The outer wings are constructed using aluminum alloy and carbon fiber composites, offering both strength and reduced weight. Each wing includes ailerons and highly integrated electronic systems, along with foldable capabilities to save space on the aircraft carrier deck. These design elements were developed at GKN Engineering’s research center in Tennessee and manufactured in Missouri.
In terms of combat capability, the X-47B offers long-range flight, automatic carrier-based takeoff and landing, and independent in-flight refueling. With an 800-nautical-mile combat radius, it can operate far from the carrier, increasing the safety of the battle group and enabling deeper strikes. Its stealth penetration ability makes it ideal for breaking through enemy air defenses, paving the way for manned aircraft.
The X-47B was first tested in 2011, with its initial flight lasting 29 minutes and reaching an altitude of about 1,500 meters. It later completed catapult takeoff and landing tests aboard the USS Bush in 2013, marking a historic milestone as the first dedicated combat drone to operate from an aircraft carrier.
In terms of performance, the X-47B can fly at speeds exceeding 800 km/h and reach altitudes up to 12,000 meters. It can autonomously execute missions over 500 miles at high altitudes, avoiding radar detection and striking targets thousands of miles away. This level of autonomy and endurance allows it to operate for up to 30 hours, significantly surpassing traditional manned aircraft.
Before a combat mission, surveillance satellites gather intelligence and transmit data to command centers. Once a target is identified, the X-47B receives instructions and executes the attack. While this is the basic mode, real-world operations require additional support, such as early warning aircraft and manned escorts, to ensure mission success and safety.
The X-47B is considered one of the most advanced drones in the world, with a cost of approximately $15 million per unit—four times that of the Predator drone. Its unique design and capabilities have earned it the nickname “the transformation drone†of the U.S. military.
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