“Boeing’s commitment to bring hundreds of high paying manufacturing jobs to St. Clair County is a huge shot in the arm for our local economy,” stated Rep. Kevin Schmidt (R-Cahokia Heights). “These are the types of investments we continue to work to bring in to our state and the Metro East area.”
The plant will manufacture the MQ-25 Stingray, the Navy’s first carrier-based unmanned aircraft, or drone. The mission of these aircraft will be airborne tank operations, which includes refueling other aircraft in mid-air. The MQ-25 Stingray can refuel fighter jets in the air and extend their combat range.
The drone will help the Air Force because new, longer-range anti-ship missiles could force U.S. aircraft carriers to operate further from combat zones. The drones double their effective areas of operation. In addition, Super Hornet fighters currently refuel in mid-flight, but the drones would let them rest for refueling, extending their life spans and giving pilots a break.
Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace company, is based in Illinois. The company is developing 34 acres of airport land with an initial 20-year lease that includes options for three 20-year renewals. Boeing plans to initially hire 150 mechanics, engineers, and support staff to build the Stingray, with more employees being added as orders increase.
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Photo Credit: US Department of Defense