Boeing’s Software Advances Enable Future Manned-Unmanned Refueling

Boeing has used a digital F/A-18 Super Hornet and MQ-25 Stingray to develop its manned-unmanned teaming technology.

Testing reveals that the software is developing for prospective use by the US Navy in the future, including the possibility of deploying the teaming capability on F/A-18 Block II and III Super Hornets.

A Boeing-led team used the platforms’ current communications links to practically simulate an F/A-18 pilot controlling an unmanned MQ-25 to release a refuelling drogue and refuel the Super Hornet in a simulator lab.

The upgraded software is an evolution of earlier experiments conducted by Boeing. To further demonstrate Boeing’s preparedness to provide this capability to the Navy, test teams not only changed the software but also brought in hardware and datalinks that were already set up on both platforms to run the finished product.

Pilots will have more flexibility when refuelling from larger distances because to the software developed by Boeing, which will drastically shorten the time it takes for an F/A-18 to communicate with a MQ-25.

“MUM-T refuelling was intended to be as realistic as possible,” stated Juan Cajigas, the director of the Advanced MQ-25 programme. Aerial refuelling resembles a ballet performed by two aircraft joining forces. The ability for a single pilot to safely and effectively oversee the operations is a significant advancement in aerial refuelling technology.