An experimental unmanned hybrid-fuel aircraft has taken to the skies for testing over Edwards Air Force Base in the High Desert, officials confirmed Wednesday, May 6.
The XRQ-73, developed by DARPA in conjunction with Northrop Grumman, carried out a test flight in April as part of DARPA’s Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration, or SHEPARD, program.
“This flight is a step forward in demonstrating the military utility of hybrid-electric propulsion,” the Northrop Grumman said in an written statement.
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,” the statement said.
The results were encouraging, SHEPARD Program Manager and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Clark McGehee said.
“This milestone is not just about a single flight,” he said. “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.”
Edwards AFB officials commended DARPA and Northrop Grumman on what they called “another historic milestone on Rogers Dry Lake.”
Details regarding the experimental hybrid propulsion system and its capabilities have not been released publicly.
“Congratulations to our colleagues Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency – DARPA for this latest propulsion breakthrough,” base officials said via social media.
The unmanned aerial vehicle, or UAV, weighs roughly 1,250 pounds.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Experimental DARPA hybrid-fuel aircraft takes flight over Edwards AFB
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
