Northrop Grumman XRQ-73 hybrid-electric drone begins flight tests at Edwards Air Force Base
By
Craig Langford
All dough, no crust. Filling but forgettable.
Summary
Northrop Grumman's XRQ-73 hybrid-electric uncrewed aircraft has begun flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base under DARPA's SHEPARD program. The aircraft combines conventional fuel with electric power to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and offer greater operational flexibility compared to similarly sized conventional aircraft. The program aims to advance hybrid-electric propulsion technology for military drones.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledNorthrop Grumman's XRQ-73 uncrewed aircraft has begun flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, California, under DARPA's Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration programme, known as SHEPARD
The XRQ-73 uses a hybrid-electric propulsion system that combines a conventional fuel source with electric power.
According to Northrop Grumman, the configuration offers improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and greater operational flexibility compared to conventionally powered aircraft of similar size.
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