21 May 2017, 22:19 GMT
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US Navy is asking Congress for over $222 million in the 2018 fiscal year to integrate the aircraft carrier based MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can refuel manned aircraft and other UAVs or function as an airborne surveillance platform.
"FY 2018 Total, Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA), $222,208,000," is a line item request in the document.
The Navy originally designed the MQ-25 Stingray as a weapon system and surveillance and intelligence platform. It was repurposed by the Navy for use in airborne refueling and surveillance.
According to reports, the MQ-25 Stingray is being incorporated into aircraft carrier aviation operations. The drone's software data communication links and electro-optical camera underwent testing in April.
