Northrop Grumman Builds Next-Generation Hybrid Electric Uncrewed X-Plane for DARPA

Northrup-Grumman ^ | JULY 10, 2024 | Staff

[SeekAndFind]

RE: Next-Generation Hybrid Electric Uncrewed X-Plane for DARPA

So, what’s the value proposition here? Does it help us win wars against the enemy?

[Red Badger]

Well, no, but it lowers our carbon footprint.................

[ProtectOurFreedom]

My guess: very low audible signature and no heat signature. Could really enhance stealth.

[shanover]

I can’t wait for the KC-135 electric charger!

[butlerweave]

The environmental renewable sustainability etc etc etc CRAP

[NorthMountain]

Some additional commentary here, suggesting that the goal of this eXperimental aircraft is developing very low observable, long duration, UAVs for surveillance and reconnaissance.

[fretzer]

The Great Horned Owl (GHO) Program

https://www.iarpa.gov/research-programs/gho

[Da Coyote]

Imagine a “battery low” light at 20,000 feet. May it happen to each and every science-challenged Biden-brain that actually believes the gubmit sponsored climate research.

I am an electric fan and look forward to electric everything when we have 1) adequate and dependable power generation, 2) adequate grid capacity, 3) inexpensive and much more power packed batteries, and 4) a government composed of folks with at least a two-digit IQ.

Presently, we have none of the above.

[Campion]

Probably can make its terminal approach to the target on batteries alone. No heat signature, low radar signature — hard to defend against.

[marktwain]

Hybrid ICE-Electric designs are some of the most efficient out there. They also allow the ICE engine/s to be shut off when most vulnerable of detection, reducing heat and noise signature to nearly nothing.

Very likely to give great performance as a stealth reconnaissance drone.

[Sequoyah101]

We fiddle fart around with things like this while the Chicoms build a fleet of real combat aircraft to defeat all opponents. Brilliant.

[pfflier]

Well, no, but it lowers our carbon footprint..........

Kinda ironic since the whole thing is made of carbon fiber composite materials.

[safisoft]

Nazi Germany’s Horton Ho-229 still lives

[FroggyTheGremlim]

I can’t wait for the KC-135 electric charger!

Oh, they forgot to tell you - it takes an extension cord - a really lo-o-o-o-ng extension cord.

[Red Badger]

The Nazis didn’t have the computer surface controls necessary to keep it from crashing..............

[Paal Gulli]

Imagine a “battery low” light at 20,000 feet....

With that wing loading they probably couldn't glide more than, oh, 35-40 miles dead stick from FL200.

[Paal Gulli]

"No heat signature, low radar signature — hard to defend against."

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

[Paal Gulli]

Red Badger already posted a more detailed report about the Darpa design: https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4247076/posts

[cpdiii]

When batteries have the energy density of Jet Fuel (JP4) on a lb for lb basis, wake me up and I will listen.