Northrop Grumman Unveils SHEPARD: A Silent, Stealthy Drone Takes Flight for DARPA

Silent and stealthy, the future of aerial reconnaissance takes flight as Northrop Grumman finally gave us the first look at the hybrid electric engine for DARPA’s future X-plane stealth drone.

Marking yet another significant leap forward in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology, the unveiling of the SHEPARD (Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration) program’s X-plane, officially designated XRQ-73, on July 10th, signifies a new era for aerial reconnaissance.

Developed by Northrop Grumman and Scaled Composites for DARPA’s (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) X-Prime program, the XRQ-73 promises a future of silent, stealthy, and long-endurance drone operations.

XRQ-73: A Hybrid Powerhouse for Long-Endurance Missions

What we know so far about the XRQ-73 is that it boasts a revolutionary series hybrid electric propulsion system, leveraging technology from the AFRL/IARPA (Air Force Research Laboratory / Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity) Great Horned Owl (GHO) project.

This cutting-edge architecture combines a fuel tank, gas turbine, electric generator, and battery, powering electric motors for silent, efficient operation.

“The SHEPARD program is maturing a specific propulsion architecture and power class as an exemplar of potential benefits for the Department of Defense,” said Steve Komadina, SHEPARD program manager at DARPA, last month in a statement.

Thus, the SHEPARD program translates to quieter operation, extended range, and reduced emissions – crucial advantages for long-endurance Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

A Quick Look Back on the GHO Program

The program, first revealed in 2011 by the IARPA—a top research and development arm of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence within the US Intelligence Community—initially focused on exploring technologies for ultra-quiet and efficient ISR drones.

While the specific intelligence agency or agencies behind the GHO project haven’t been disclosed, the CIA’s (Central Intelligence Agency) extensive history of operating drones with diverse capabilities across various missions suggests they might have played a role.

“For many such ISR applications, the acoustic signature of the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) alerts the adversary to the UAVs presence and can interfere with the mission,” IARPA noted in GHO’s public notice in 2011. “Battery powered UAVs are very quiet but lack endurance and payload capability.”

The resulting platform, then-dubbed the XRQ-72A, takes after Northrop Grumman’s design philosophy, with a general resemblance to the B-21 Raider stealth bomber’s flying wing layout, The War Zone noted in a report published in 2020. Accordingly, this design choice echoes a trend in other UAVs developed by various companies.

The XRQ-73 builds upon the foundation laid by the XRQ-72A and represents the next phase in this technological evolution.

Stealth Takes Flight

The XRQ-73’s sleek, flying wing design, inspired by the GHO project, minimizes radar and visual detection.

This technology, combined with the low heat signature of the electric propulsion system, makes the XRQ-73 a true stealth marvel.

Sensor pods mounted on the fuselage further enhance its intelligence-gathering capabilities.

Taking to the Skies by Year-End

Expected to take its maiden flight by the end of 2024, the XRQ-73 represents a significant advancement in military drone technology.

Weighing in at approximately 1,250 pounds (567 kg) and boasting a wingspan exceeding 30 feet (9 meters), it falls under the Group 3 UAS classification.

With a projected cruising speed of 250 knots (287 mph, 463 km/h) and a ceiling of 18,000 feet (5,500 meters), the XRQ-73 promises unmatched capabilities for battlefield reconnaissance.

The SHEPARD program signifies a new era in silent, stealthy, and long-endurance drone technology.

With its first flight on the horizon, the XRQ-73 is poised to revolutionize the way the Pentagon gathers critical intelligence on the battlefield.

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