Two requests to industry may help the Pentagon address one of the emerging challenges of warfare: enabling a relatively small ...

The XRQ-73, which conducted its first flight last month, has an unusual hybrid propulsion system—theoretically extending its ...

Scaled Composites said that it flew the XRQ-73 Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration hybrid drone over California.

Hybrid drone debut: DARPA’s XRQ-73, built by Northrop Grumman, flew for the first time in April, featuring hybrid-electric propulsion to enhance range, efficiency, and stealth. FCC update extension: ...

A new US military drone with hybrid-electric propulsion made its first flight in April ...

The XRQ-73, a 1,250-pound drone, uses a mix of electric and jet-fuel propulsion, which is supposed to make it much quieter ...

First flight milestone: The XRQ-73 flew in April 2026 in California, marking a key step for hybrid-electric military aviation. Stealth and endurance: Its hybrid system blends gas turbine and electric ...

DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) issued a challenge, the DARPA Lift Challenge, in October 2025 to develop novel drone designs that have greater payload-to-weight ratio. DARPA, which ...

Otto Aerospace completes flight tests of its laminar-flow drone at Spaceport America, advancing DARPA's Energy Web Aircraft ...

Germany and Sweden are teaming up to fast-track anti-drone technology, creating a new model for European defense innovation.