First Flight for DARPA’s XRQ-73 Hybrid-Electric Flying Wing Drone

DARPA, in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory and Northrop Grumman, flew the XRQ-73, a hybrid-electric, unmanned experimental aircraft.

The flight occurred at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. in April 2026 as part of DARPA’s Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration (SHEPARD) program. This flight is a step forward in demonstrating the military utility of hybrid-electric propulsion. Hybrid electric propulsion architectures will drive the development of revolutionary new aircraft designs by offering a combination of fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced operational flexibility.

“This milestone is not just about a single flight,”

said Lt. Col. Clark McGehee, SHEPARD program manager.

“The architecture proven by the XRQ-73 paves the way for new types of mission systems and delivered effects. We look forward to advancing this technology through the flight test program and delivering new capabilities for our warfighters.”

The X-plane is a lightweight Group 3 unmanned aerial vehicle that uses a hybrid-electric propulsion system that converts traditional fuel into electric power to run the drone. The technology could provide the military with novel propulsion options that are not only more efficient, but also quieter during flight.

Sources: DARPA; Northrop Grumman

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