MQ-25 Stingray

Background
The MQ-25 Stingray is a carrier-based Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV) capable of taking off from both aircraft carriers and space carriers. It was developed in 2240 and is still under development. It was developed to extend the range of strike fighters on aircraft carriers and as a result of Salome's long range ballistic missile programme. Currently, Earth Fleet, Earth Navy and the Admian Navy operates it.

Development
Development works on the MQ-25 Stingray began in 2230 and only had 2 prototypes till 2240, where it began to be mass-produced. It is developed and produced by Space Raytheon and the entire programme cost almost $4 trillion. In 2230, Earth had only 5 space carriers and not many space aircraft. Thus, the Chief of Space Operations then decided to develop a UAV which can be launched from space carriers as Earth Fleet began to grow and modernize rapidly. As of 2251, the programme is still under development and will not be stopped until around 2261. By then, at least $12 trillion will be spent on the programme in total.

Operational History
The MQ-25 first saw limited action in the Zombie War, with only several deployed for combat. They conducted reconnaissance and surveillance, while assisting to refuel aircraft. As of 2250, no MQ-25 is shot down in combat. During the Big-Ring Insurgency, the MQ-25 saw combat action, with 500 deployed aboard four Endurance Class Space carriers which were there to bomb and destroy rebel bases and ships.

Operators
U.F.E.:

-24,500 in service with the Earth Fleet

-175,500 in service with the Air Force and Navy

Admian Republic:

-45,000+ in service with the Admian Space Forces

Specifications
Type: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

Roles: Aerial refuelling, surveillance, reconnaissance, short-range strike

Crew: None

Speed: 357km/h (Air Version), 1,400 km/h (Space Version)

Weight:

Air Version:4,500 kg (empty), 15,000 kg(full load)

Space Version: 5,000 kg (empty), 24,000 kg (full load)

Weapons:

Air Version: AIM-9X Sidewinder AAMs, AIM-120C AMRAAMs, AIM-120C ALRAAMs, LRASMs, Harpoon ASMs, Mk28 bombs, cruise missiles

Space version: Projectiles, red-tailed phaser banks, criston torpedo tubes, red disruptor cannons

Shields: Mk 14 Shield

Number built: 245,000 + 4 prototypes