"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. The new tech uses a mix of electric and jet-fuel propulsion, which is meant to help the drone burn less fuel and reduce emissions for better stealth."
"The XRQ-73 is a Group-3 drone, intended as a medium-sized tactical system that flies below 18,000 feet and at speeds between 115 and 287 mph. DARPA said it weighs about 1,250 pounds. Its program is part of a contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory called the Great Horned Owl, which aims to develop an efficient, ultra-stealthy recon drone."
"Photos of the XRQ-73 show that its exterior design loosely resembles that of other stealth aircraft, such as Northrop Grumman's B-2 Spirit bomber or Lockheed Martin's RQ-170 Sentinel drone. Unlike those aircraft, however, the tailless XRQ-73 features winglets at the ends of each wing. A front-facing camera is also visible near the XRQ-73's nose."
DARPA conducted the first flight of the XRQ-73 experimental drone at Edwards Air Force Base in April, marking a significant advancement in military drone technology. Built by Northrop Grumman, the XRQ-73 features a hybrid-electric propulsion system that combines jet fuel and electric power to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while enhancing stealth performance. The tailless, medium-sized tactical drone weighs approximately 1,250 pounds and operates below 18,000 feet at speeds between 115 and 287 mph. Its design resembles stealth aircraft like the B-2 Spirit bomber, incorporating winglets for stabilization and a front-facing camera. The XRQ-73 program, part of the Air Force Research Laboratory's Great Horned Owl contract, aims to develop an efficient, ultra-stealthy reconnaissance drone to meet urgent operational needs.
#hybrid-electric-propulsion #military-drone-technology #darpa-innovation #stealth-reconnaissance #defense-advanced-systems
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