The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has unveiled its latest X-plane, the XRQ-73, under the Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration (SHEPARD) program. This hybrid-electric uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) has been officially designated as the XRQ-73.
The SHEPARD program leverages the series hybrid electric architecture and components from the previous AFRL/IARPA Great Horned Owl (GHO) project. The initiative is a collaborative effort, involving members from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and various military personnel.
Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Aeronautics Systems sector, based in Redondo Beach, CA, serves as the prime contractor for the SHEPARD program. Key contributors include Scaled Composites, LLC, Cornerstone Research Group, Inc., Brayton Energy, LLC, PC Krause and Associates, and EaglePicher Technologies, LLC.
The XRQ-73 is categorized as a Group 3 UAS, with an approximate weight of 1,250 pounds. The first flight of the XRQ-73 is anticipated by the end of 2024, marking a crucial step in advancing the capabilities of hybrid-electric aircraft within the Department of Defense.
###
Follow The Black Vault on Social Media:This post was published on June 25, 2024 7:13 pm
In September 2024, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was filed with NASA seeking…
Background Welcome to the FBI Files on Historical Figures & Groups archive at The Black…
A new release of Department of Defense (DoD) emails obtained through the Freedom of Information…
Newly released Department of Defense records reveal the prolonged and often frustrating prepublication review process…
Newly released Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) documents obtained by The Black Vault under FOIA case…
Background The Central Intelligence Agency was created in 1947 with the signing of the National…