Northrop Grumman, in collaboration with the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), has unveiled an innovative prototype of the XRQ-73 stealth drone, equipped with a revolutionary hybrid electric propulsion system.
The image of the XRQ-73 was released on the corporation’s official website, marking a significant advance in the SHEPARD – Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration program.
Technological innovation
The development of the XRQ-73 aims to demonstrate and test the latest hybrid-electric engine technology for aircraft. According to a DARPA press release, the project uses the GHO hybrid propulsion system and components from its predecessor, the XRQ-72A Great Horned Owl, developed in the 2010s.
The innovative technology replaces the traditional jet engine with an electricity generator and electric motors that produce thrust. This approach offers better economy, low noise levels and a smaller thermal footprint for the electric turbines, characteristics that significantly increase the stealth of the reconnaissance drone.
Features and Design
The XRQ-73 is identified as a reconnaissance aircraft, as indicated by its XRQ-73 index, with the letter “X” highlighting that it is a prototype. The fuselage design in the form of a “tailless” flying wing, similar to the B2 and B21 Raider stealth bombers and the RQ-170 Sentinel jet reconnaissance drones, adds even more stealth to the drone.
Technical parameters and tests
Although the technical details of the XRQ-73 have not been released, it is known to weigh 570 kg. DARPA classifies it as a group 3 drone, capable of reaching speeds of between 180 and 460 km/h and flying at altitudes of less than 5500 meters.
Future of the project
Northrop Grumman announced that DARPA plans to begin scheduled flight tests of the prototype by the end of this year. The use of technical solutions from the previous project and some units spent on the SHEPARD project should speed up the development of a serial product, with the first flight expected in the next 20 months.
Source and images: Northrop Grumman.