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DARPA's XRQ-73 hybrid-electric drone completes secretive first flight

DARPA has confirmed the first flight of the XRQ-73 SHEPARD, a hybrid-electric unmanned aircraft developed by Northrop Grumman and Scaled Composites. The April 14, 2026 flight at Edwards Air Force Base ...
AOL

Experimental DARPA hybrid-fuel aircraft takes flight over Edwards AFB

An experimental unmanned hybrid-fuel aircraft has taken to the skies for testing over Edwards Air Force Base in the High Desert, officials confirmed Wednesday, May 6. The XRQ-73, developed by DARPA in ...
Seeking Alpha

Northrop Grumman’s XRQ-73 uncrewed aircraft begins flight tests

A hybrid-electric uncrewed aircraft designed and built by Northrop Grumman (NOC) has begun flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California, the company said Wednesday. The aircraft, designated ...
Hosted on MSN

DARPA's XRQ-73 drone completes first hybrid-electric flight

First flight milestone: The XRQ-73 flew in April 2026 in California, marking a key step for hybrid-electric military aviation. Stealth and endurance: Its hybrid system blends gas turbine and electric ...