Overview
- DARPA, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and Northrop Grumman disclosed Wednesday that the XRQ-73 flew at Edwards Air Force Base in April.
- The series hybrid system uses a fuel-burning engine as a generator to power electric motors, which can boost efficiency and lower noise.
- Northrop Grumman says the experimental aircraft is a Group 3 uncrewed system of about 1,250 pounds built to inform future designs.
- New photos show added vertical stabilizers, a small dorsal intake, blade antennas, and a front fairing that appears to hold a camera for flight testing.
- Public details on performance and transition plans remain scarce as the test program now gathers data on propulsion, signatures, and electrical power for mission systems.