諾格XRQ-73無人機展開試飛 驗證混合動力匿蹤優勢

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RQ-73混合動力匿蹤無人機。（圖片取自DARPA網站）

DARPA證實4月試飛 推進新世代無人機技術

DARPA Confirms April Flight Tests for Next-Generation UAV Technology

XRQ-73混合動力匿蹤無人機，已於今年4月展開試飛，持續驗證混合動力推進系統在效率、靜音與低可偵測性方面的作戰潛力。
The XRQ-73 hybrid-powered stealth UAV began flight testing in April to further validate the operational advantages of hybrid propulsion in efficiency, low noise, and reduced detectability.

相關測試被視為未來新型自主任務系統的重要技術驗證，可望為美軍下一代無人機發展奠定基礎。
The trials are viewed as a critical technology demonstration for future autonomous mission systems and could lay the groundwork for next-generation US military UAV development.

混合動力結合匿蹤設計 提升作戰靈活性

Hybrid Propulsion and Stealth Design Enhance Operational Flexibility

軍聞網站《The War Zone》報導，XRQ-73近日已在Edwards Air Force Base完成試飛。該機屬於DARPA「串聯混合動力電動飛機驗證計畫」（SHEPARD）的一部分，旨在驗證低油耗、低排放與高作戰彈性的混合電力推進系統。
According to military news outlet The War Zone, the XRQ-73 recently completed flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base. The aircraft is part of DARPA’s Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiR Demonstration (SHEPARD) program, which seeks to validate hybrid-electric propulsion systems offering lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and improved operational flexibility.

DARPA希望藉此探索新一代輕型自主無人機的設計可能，並提升未來作戰平臺的續航與生存能力。
DARPA aims to use the program to explore new lightweight autonomous UAV concepts while improving endurance and survivability for future combat platforms.

外型持續修改 強化飛行與航電性能

Airframe Continues to Evolve With Enhanced Flight and Avionics Features

最新曝光照片顯示，XRQ-73外型與2024年公開版本相比已有明顯變化，包括翼尖附近新增垂直安定面，機背主進氣口間也增加輔助進氣口。
Recently released images show that the XRQ-73 has undergone notable design changes compared with its 2024 configuration, including new vertical stabilizers near the wingtips and an additional auxiliary air intake positioned between the main dorsal intakes.

此外，機體上方新增黑色天線與機鼻整流罩，外界推測可能搭載新的航電與測試設備，以支援飛行驗證工作。
Additional antennas and a nose fairing have also been added, suggesting the integration of upgraded avionics and instrumentation to support ongoing flight evaluations.

報導分析，XRQ-73未來仍可能依測試結果持續調整設計。
Analysts believe the aircraft’s design may continue evolving as flight testing progresses.

全翼式低可偵測構型 適合高風險情監偵任務

Flying-Wing Stealth Layout Suited for High-Risk ISR Missions

XRQ-73由諾格與旗下Scaled Composites

合作研發，重量約1250磅（約570公斤），屬於第3類（Group 3）無人飛行系統。
The XRQ-73 was jointly developed by Northrop Grumman and Scaled Composites

. Weighing approximately 1,250 pounds (570 kilograms), it falls within the Group 3 UAV category.

該機採全翼式匿蹤設計，搭配混合動力系統所帶來的低紅外線與低噪音特徵，可降低遭敵方雷達與感測器發現風險。
The UAV features a flying-wing stealth configuration combined with a hybrid propulsion system that reduces infrared and acoustic signatures, lowering the risk of detection by enemy radars and sensors.

未來可望深入高威脅空域，執行情監偵（ISR）等高風險任務。
This capability could allow the aircraft to penetrate contested airspace for high-risk intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

整合多項新技術 試飛時程延後

Integration of Advanced Technologies Delayed Flight Schedule

DARPA表示，由於XRQ-73整合多項尚未成熟的先進技術，因此需花費更多時間排除潛在問題，使原定2024年的試飛計畫延後至今年實施。
DARPA stated that because the XRQ-73 integrates numerous unproven advanced technologies, additional time was required to resolve technical challenges, delaying the initial flight schedule from 2024 to this year.

目前進行中的短期飛行測試，將持續驗證混合電力推進系統可靠性，確保其符合軍方作戰需求。
The current short-duration flight tests will continue assessing the reliability of the hybrid-electric propulsion system to ensure it meets military operational requirements.