Bell Textron and Boeing’s Aurora selected for next phase of DARPA’s X-Plane
Aurora’s X-Plane has been selected for the next phase of DARPA’s SPRINT programme. (Image: Aurora Flight Sciences)
The Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) project, a joint DARPA/US Special Operations Command effort to design, build and fly an X-plane, will attempt to demonstrate the key technologies and integrated concepts that enable a transformational combination of aircraft speed and runway independence.
The US DoD’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has selected Bell Textron and Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences for Phase 1B of the agency’s SPRINT X-Plane programme.
Bell completed risk reduction testing at Holloman Air Force Base in late 2023, showcasing folding rotor, integrated propulsion and flight control technologies. Bell has been building on its investment in High-Speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (HSVTOL) technology and past X-plane experience to inform the X-plane development for this programme.
Aurora’s concept is a low-drag, fan-in-wing demonstrator that integrates a blended wing-body platform, combining the agility of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) with a cruise speed of 450kt.
Recent images of Aurora’s design show the fan-in-wing (FIW) demonstrator with three lift fans, an improved composite exterior and an uncrewed cockpit. The choice of three lift fans has formed part of an effort to simplify the demonstrator and streamline its path to flight test. The platform, however, could be scaled to add more fans for future requirements.
Bell Textron's offering underwent testing at Holloman Air Force Base in late 2023. (Image: Bell Textron)
It will be expected that completion of preliminary design review for the SPRINT programme will occur within approximately 12 months with the goal of first flight in 36 months.
The SPRINT X-plane has been intended to be a proof-of-concept technology demonstrator with its flight test programme seeking to validate enabling technologies and integrated concepts that can be scaled to different size military aircraft.
The goal of the programme has been to provide such aircraft with the ability to cruise at speeds from 400-450kt at relevant altitudes and hover in austere environments from unprepared surfaces.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy]()
Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy
The potential foreign military sale covers 12 F-16 aircraft as well as related training and equipment support, the DSCA notice said.
-
![DSEI 2025: UK’s new Air Chief Marshal outlines nuclear, space and IAMD as three key priorities for RAF]()
DSEI 2025: UK’s new Air Chief Marshal outlines nuclear, space and IAMD as three key priorities for RAF
Aiming to field a more integrated, agile force, the military leader said in a keynote speech that focus on these core areas would be increased to help the RAF deter and meet challenges in the new threat landscape.
-
![Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service]()
Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service
The Kuiper Network enables organizations to buy, rather than build, applications that serve mission needs at mission speed.
-
![Finland secures possible $1.07 billion AMRAAM deal with US State Department]()
Finland secures possible $1.07 billion AMRAAM deal with US State Department
The Nordic country is set to bolster its defence capabilities after its foreign military sales request for AIM-120D-3 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAMs) was approved.
