U.S. Navy, Boeing Complete First Carrier Tests for MQ-25
Source: Boeing The U.S. Navy and Boeing [NYSE: BA] have successfully maneuvered the Boeing-owned T1 test asset on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier for the first time – an early step forward in ensuring the MQ-25 unmanned aerial refueler will seamlessly integrate into carrier operations. During an underway demonstration aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Navy flight deck directors – known as "yellow shirts" – used standard hand signals to direct T1 just like any other carrier-based aircraft. Instead of a pilot receiving the commands, however, it was a Boeing MQ-25 Deck Handling Operator (DHO) right beside the "yellow shirt" who commanded the aircraft using a new handheld deck control device. "This is another significant step forward in [...]