XRQ-73 SHEPARD Hybrid Electric UAS

Full Specifications

The XRQ-73 SHEPARD is a U.S. experimental uncrewed aircraft built to prove how hybrid electric propulsion can improve endurance while lowering acoustic and thermal signatures. Developed as a flying wing, the aircraft focuses on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance where persistence and discretion are critical.

Manufacturer

Northrop Grumman, working with Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency under the Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion Aircraft Demonstration program.

Speed

Estimated cruise near 200 km per hour, consistent with Group 3 UAS performance.

Range

Designed for extended endurance missions exceeding 12 hours. Operational range depends on mission profile and power management.

Cost / Price

Research prototype. Unit cost not publicly disclosed.

The aircraft uses a series hybrid layout. A fuel engine acts as a generator that powers electric motors driving the propulsors. This setup allows efficient fuel use, flexible energy distribution, and quieter operation than conventional propulsion. The flying wing shape reduces drag and radar return while providing internal volume for batteries, generator, and sensors.

XRQ-73 is intended for ISR, communications relay, and technology validation. Flight tests examine how hybrid systems handle endurance pacing, thermal control, and signature reduction in real conditions. Data from this platform is expected to inform future U.S. uncrewed aircraft where survivability and efficiency are priorities.