DARPA's next-gen flying wing drone X-plane set to fly this year
DARPA plans to test the XRQ-73 flying wing drone, part of the SHEPARD program, for long-endurance stealth missions. Built by Northrop Grumman, it aims to showcase advanced propulsion technology benefits.
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DARPA is set to fly its next-generation flying wing drone, the XRQ-73, by the end of the year. This drone is part of the Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration (SHEPARD) program and is designed for long endurance and stealth missions in hostile territories. The XRQ-73, built by a consortium led by Northrop Grumman, is an advanced version of the Great Horned Owl (GHO) project, featuring a weight of up to 1,250 lb and a top speed of 287 mph. Unlike its predecessor, the XRQ-73 has a more streamlined flying wing design with electric engines inside the fuselage. The goal of this X-plane project is to quickly mature the technology and make it operational within 20 months. The program aims to demonstrate the benefits of this propulsion architecture for the Department of Defense.
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