VS test hybride-elektrische militaire drone met vrijwel geruisloos motoren

In April 2026, the US military demonstrated a hybrid-electric drone that merges gas turbine and electric propulsion to minimize noise during surveillance operations. Developed by Northrop Grumman and Scaled Composites for DARPA's SHEPARD program, the 1,250-pound XRQ-73 reached 18,000 feet, establishing a blueprint for quieter military aircraft despite timeline setbacks.