# DARPA Flies XRQ-73 Hybrid-Electric Drone

DARPA, in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory and prime contractor Northrop Grumman, successfully completed the first flight of the XRQ-73, an experimental hybrid-electric reconnaissance drone, at Edwards Air Force Base in April 2026. This flight under the SHEPARD program demonstrates the viability of hybrid-electric propulsion technology for military unmanned systems, offering potential improvements in fuel efficiency, noise reduction, emissions, and operational flexibility. The milestone signals ongoing investment in advanced propulsion technologies and opens new avenues for defense contractors specializing in innovative UAV designs and hybrid-electric systems.

- The XRQ-73 flight test represents a significant advancement in military UAV propulsion, highlighting opportunities for contractors to engage in hybrid-electric aircraft development and testing.
- Procurement professionals should note the collaboration between DARPA, AFRL, and Northrop Grumman, indicating potential subcontracting or partnership opportunities within the SHEPARD program.
- The focus on fuel efficiency and emissions reduction aligns with broader DoD goals for sustainable and flexible mission capabilities, suggesting future solicitations may emphasize these performance metrics.
- Companies with expertise in hybrid-electric propulsion, stealth technologies, and autonomous ISR platforms may find increased demand as the program progresses toward operational applications.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** May 07, 2026

### Government Entities
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
- Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
- United States Air Force (USAF)
- Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA)

### Vendors
- Northrop Grumman (prime contractor)
- Scaled Composites (subsidiary of Northrop Grumman, involved in development)

### Key Quotes
> This milestone is not just about a single flight. 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.
> — Lt. Col. Clark McGhehee, SHEPARD Program Manager

### Sources
- [DARPA begins flying experimental hybrid-electric ISR drone | DefenseScoop](https://defensescoop.com/2026/05/06/darpa-begins-flying-experimental-hybrid-electric-drone-xrq-73-northrop-grumman) - DefenseScoop
- [DARPA XRQ-73 demonstrates hybrid-electric flight | DARPA](https://www.darpa.mil/news/2026/darpa-xrq-73-demonstrates-hybrid-electric-flight) - Darpa
- [DARPA complete first flight of XRQ-73 hybrid stealth drone](https://defence-blog.com/darpa-complete-first-flight-of-xrq-73-hybrid-stealth-drone) - The Defence Blog