Few month ago DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), the renowned advanced research agency of the US Department of Defense also known for its military technological innovations, unveiled the official designation of its new electric stealth drone, the XRQ-73. DARPA, has unveiled the XRQ-73, a revolutionary drone that succeeds the XRQ-72A. The development program for this drone, called Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion Aircraft Demonstration (SHEPARD), aims to demonstrate the capabilities of a hybrid-electric aircraft. The first flights of the XRQ-73 were carried out at the end of 2024.

The Pentagon’s advanced research and development arm is launching a new effort to fly a quiet spy plane. The XRQ-73 SHEPARD will use a hybrid electrical propulsion system that will eliminate engine noise over enemy territory. Combined with a radar-evading design and a reduced infrared signature, the XRQ-73 SHEPARD could remain undetected over enemy territory and scoop up intelligence without an adversary knowing it was there.

The plane is designated XRQ-73: X for experimental plane, R for reconnaissance, and Q for unmanned. It would be the 73rd official X-plane developed by the Department of Defense, a long line of famed aircraft that started in 1946, with the Bell X-1 supersonic jet plane.

The plane’s designation gives away its purpose: an unmanned spy plane. The XRQ-73 SHEPHARD name is an acronym, Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion Aircraft Demonstration, and explains what will make the machine special. It will be the first known military aircraft to will do away with jet engines entirely, relying on electricity for propulsion.