Northrop Grumman Newsroom
XRQ-73 SHEPARD Hybrid Electric X-Plane
Defining Possible in Next-Generation Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
Northrop Grumman Unveils Next-Gen Hybrid Electric Uncrewed X-Plane for DARPA
Northrop Grumman continues to define what’s possible in the air with the design and construction of the Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration (SHEPARD) demonstrator for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
SHEPARD, which is a Group 3 Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS), weighs in at about 1,250 pounds and leverages the series hybrid electric architecture and select component technologies from earlier projects.
SHEPARD Gains X-Plane Designation
SHEPARD recently received its X-plane designation of XRQ-73, joining DARPA’s roster of innovative experimental aircraft.
Built in collaboration with Scaled Composites, a Northrop Grumman subsidiary, the XRQ-73 SHEPARD is a DARPA "X-prime" program leveraging hybrid electric architecture and component technologies to quickly mature a new mission-focused aircraft design with propulsion architecture and power class for the Department of Defense.
Unmatched Leadership in Autonomous Solutions & Advanced Technologies
Northrop Grumman harnessed expertise in autonomous systems, advanced aircraft design and rapid prototyping to build the XRQ-73 SHEPARD Hybrid-Electric UAS X-Plane demonstrator, offering a unique opportunity to reinforce our industry leadership in emerging technologies and next-gen hybrid electric uncrewed aircraft systems, while preparing for SHEPARD’s first flight.
XRQ-73 SHEPARD Media Contact:
Lesa Smith
424-400-1342