Bell Textron has been selected as the exclusive contractor for DARPA’s high-speed experimental aircraft initiative, surpassing Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing subsidiary, in the competition.
As part of Phase 2 of the Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane program, Bell will handle the detailed design, construction, ground testing, and certification of its demonstrator aircraft.
According to DARPA, the demonstrator is expected to be completed by 2027, with flight testing set to begin in 2028. Since March 2023, DARPA and U.S. Special Operations Command have been working on an aircraft concept that merges jet-like speed with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
The SPRINT program seeks to develop a platform capable of flying at 400–450 knots (740–833 km/h or 460–517 mph) without requiring a runway, while being able to hover in rugged or unprepared environments.
In addition to the SPRINT effort, Bell is also leading development of the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), which will eventually replace the UH-60 Black Hawk fleet.
