On Tuesday, DARPA unveiled its newest experimental aircraft, or X-Plane, known as the XRQ-73 SHEPARD, short for Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration program. This new aircraft’s title may be a mouthful, but its advanced new hybrid propulsion system could allow this aircraft to fly longer duration intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions than any aircraft before it, and all while dramatically reducing both its acoustic (sound) and thermal (heat) signatures. Let’s talk about why this technology could be vital for the future of American military operations.