Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is best known for military reconnaissance planes and stealth fighters, and much of its work is cloaked in a veil of secrecy. The advanced development programs group based in Palmdale, California, is responsible for the famed U-2, SR-71, F-117, YF-22, X-35 and RQ-170, to name a few, but now its engineers and craftsmen are applying their skills to something completely different: an unmanned tanker UAV for U.S. aircraft carriers.
The Skunk Works® purpose-built MQ-25 unmanned tanker concept is designed to deliver robust refueling capability to support our combat strike fighters and extend the range of our aircraft carriers. Our offering builds on our unmanned systems legacy including the RQ-170 to bring proven, low-risk approaches to our design.
Rather than repurposing an aircraft design originally focused on a different mission, our purpose-built MQ-25 is optimized for probe and drogue tanking performance and carrier integration to meet the Navy’s critical refueling needs while also providing opportunity for capability growth. Skunk Works® experience extends from the KC-130J, S-3, open mission systems, and our recent carrier integration and maritime aircraft experience including the F-35B, F-35C and CH-53.
Rather than repurposing an aircraft design originally focused on a different mission, Skunk Works® purpose-built MQ-25 is optimized for probe and drogue tanking performance and carrier integration to meet the Navy’s critical refueling needs while also providing opportunity for capability growth. Lockheed Martin experience extends from the KC-130J, S-3, open mission systems, and our recent carrier integration and maritime aircraft experience including the F-35B, F-35C and CH-53.
Lockheed Martin MQ-25 approach also harnesses the Skunk Work’s unique ability to rapidly and affordably develop systems to fill critical national needs, ensuring it will meet the Navy’s desire to accelerate delivery of an operational capability. Skunk Works is honored to partner with the Navy to develop a game-changing MQ-25 system.
