SHEPARD Next-Gen Hybrid Electric Uncrewed Aircraft Takes Flight

DARPA's XRQ-73 SHEPARD hybrid-electric experimental aircraft takes off at Edwards Air Force Base, California. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

EDWARDS AFB, Cali. - May 6, 2026 - (PHOTO RELEASE) The Northrop Grumman designed and built XRQ-73 hybrid electric uncrewed aircraft began flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Developed to advance propulsion technologies for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration (SHEPARD) program, the XRQ-73 advances next-generation propulsion for lightweight autonomous aircraft. The XRQ-73's innovative hybrid-electric propulsion system combines fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and enhanced operational flexibility - enabling new mission possibilities and supporting the evolution of new aircraft designs.