Skunk Works’ MDCX controls Boeing MQ-25A’s first flight

Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works MDCX command and control platform directed the first flight of the U.S. Navy’s MQ‑25A Stingray from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. The MDCX software serves as the backbone of the Navy’s Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System (UMCS) MD-5 Ground Control Station and was selected in 2020 as the ground control component for Boeing’s MQ‑25A.

“Today’s successful first flight relied on the seamless integration between a MQ-25 aircraft and Lockheed Martin’s ground control station,” said Rear Adm. Tony Rossi, who oversees the Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons. “This milestone proves the strength of our partnership in developing the command-and-control infrastructure necessary to operate unmanned platforms safely and effectively from our carriers.”

“Our MDCX open architecture C2 solution integrated seamlessly with a Boeing MQ-25A, delivering secure UAV control for its first flight,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of Skunk Works. “This achievement is a result of our enduring partnership with the U.S. Navy to expand its capabilities and interoperability by enabling a single carrier-based command station to control multiple uncrewed vehicles to advance its Air Wing of the Future vision.”