Northrop Grumman develops electric X-Plane drone for DARPA

Northrop Grumman has announced the design and construction of the Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration (SHEPARD) vehicle, according to a press release.

This uncrewed air system, developed for the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), has recently received its official X-plane designation as the XRQ-73.

Built in collaboration with Northrop Grumman’s subsidiary, Scaled Composites, the XRQ-73 SHEPARD is part of DARPA’s “X-prime” programme. This initiative, say the firm, leverages hybrid electric architecture and component technologies to advance a new mission-focused aircraft design with specific propulsion architecture and power class for the Department of Defence, as stated in the press release.

Northrop Grumman claims that its hybrid electric approach aims to create an aircraft with improved efficiency and operational capabilities. The XRQ-73 integrates advanced technologies to meet the evolving needs of defence applications, as detailed in the press release.

This new hybrid electric X-plane is expected to contribute to the Department of Defence’s objectives by providing a more versatile and efficient uncrewed aircraft system.