美海軍MQ-25A無人加油機獲准量產 航艦無人化邁入新階段

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通過Milestone C審核 正式進入低速率初始量產

美國海軍宣布，MQ-25A Stingray無人加油機已正式取得「Milestone C」核准，代表該計畫完成關鍵研發與測試階段，正式邁入低速率初始量產（LRIP）階段，成為美軍航艦無人化發展的重要里程碑。

The US Navy announced that the MQ-25A Stingray unmanned tanker has received Milestone C approval, allowing the program to transition into Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP), marking a major milestone in carrier-based unmanned aviation development.

美國海軍預計於今年夏季授予首批3架MQ-25A量產合約，後續還包含第2批3架與第3批5架的追加選項。

The Navy plans to award an initial production contract for three MQ-25A aircraft this summer, with options for an additional three aircraft in the second batch and five more in the third batch.

首架量產機已完成試飛 驗證自主飛行能力

First Production Aircraft Successfully Completed Test Flight

MQ-25A於今年4月完成首架量產型首次飛行，期間自主執行約2小時飛行任務，驗證滑行、起飛、飛行與降落等全自主操作能力，同時也成功執行預定任務計畫。

In April, the first production-configured MQ-25A completed its maiden flight, autonomously conducting a two-hour mission that demonstrated taxiing, takeoff, flight, and landing capabilities while successfully executing its planned mission profile.

美國海軍航空採購主管John E. Dougherty IV表示，MQ-25A將提供持續性的空中加油能力，進一步釋放航艦航空聯隊作戰能量，確保航艦打擊群維持高度彈性與前沿部署能力。

Vice Adm. John E. Dougherty IV stated that the MQ-25A will provide persistent aerial refueling capability, expanding the operational capacity of carrier air wings and ensuring carrier strike groups remain flexible, lethal, and forward-ready.

航艦專用無人加油機 替F/A-18解放戰力

Carrier-Based Drone Tanker to Free Up Super Hornets

MQ-25A是全球首款專為航空母艦設計、可完全在航艦環境下運作的無人空中加油機，被視為未來艦載無人機發展的重要驗證平台。

The MQ-25A is the world’s first unmanned aerial refueling aircraft specifically designed for full aircraft carrier operations, making it a critical testbed for future carrier-based unmanned aviation.

該機全長約15.5公尺、翼展約23公尺，採用1具Rolls-RoyceAE 3007N渦輪扇發動機，最大起飛重量約2萬公斤。

The drone measures approximately 15.5 meters long with a 23-meter wingspan and is powered by a Rolls-Royce AE 3007N turbofan engine, with a maximum takeoff weight of around 20,000 kilograms.

MQ-25A未來將負責為F/A-18E/F Super Hornet、E-2D Hawkeye與F-35C Lightning II等艦載機提供空中加油支援，讓原本負責「夥伴加油」（buddy tanking）任務的F/A-18E/F能重新專注於打擊任務。

The MQ-25A is intended to refuel carrier-based aircraft such as the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, E-2D Hawkeye, and F-35C Lightning II, allowing Super Hornets currently assigned to buddy-tanking duties to focus on strike operations.

延宕後重回正軌 2029年具初始戰力

Program Back on Track With IOC Planned for 2029

MQ-25A計畫源自美國海軍2018年授予Boeing總值8.05億美元的合約，原定2024年達成初始作戰能力（IOC），但後續因製造問題與航艦測試排程等因素延宕。

The MQ-25A program stems from an $805 million contract awarded to Boeing in 2018. The aircraft was originally scheduled to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in 2024, but delays related to manufacturing issues and carrier availability pushed the timeline back.

根據目前規劃，美國海軍預計於2029年讓MQ-25A正式形成初始作戰能力，並逐步推動航艦航空聯隊無人化轉型。

Under the current schedule, the US Navy expects the MQ-25A to achieve IOC in 2029, paving the way for broader unmanned integration within future carrier air wings.