Bell Textron Inc. has been selected for Phase 1B of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane program.
The SPRINT program aims to develop an experimental aircraft that will showcase advanced technologies and integrated concepts for achieving a revolutionary combination of aircraft speed and runway independence in the next generation of air mobility platforms.
In 2023, DARPA commissioned four companies to propose designs for an experimental aircraft. These companies included Aurora Flight Sciences, Bell Textron, Northrop Grumman, and Piasecki Aircraft Corporation.
In May, Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, revealed its innovative aircraft design featuring a fan-in-wing vertical lift concept.
Now, Bell Textron is set to unveil its concept. Having advanced to the next stage of the SPRINT program, the company is expected to showcase a tiltrotor aircraft similar to the V-280 Valor developed for the U.S. Army Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program.
Following the successful conceptual design review in Phase 1A, Bell will now progress to the preliminary design phase for the SPRINT X-plane.
The Bell design incorporates cutting-edge technology developed as part of the high-speed vertical takeoff and landing (HSVTOL) projects. At the heart of the HSVTOL’s groundbreaking capabilities is a folding rotor design that efficiently converts horsepower into vertical lift thrust. With the folding rotor, the blades sweep back and stop spinning, allowing the VTOL to operate like a jet aircraft.
According to Bell, the rotor has been meticulously designed to minimize downwash (up to 90 mph / 145 km/h) and reduce the aircraft’s signature to enhance its survivability.
“Bell is honored to be selected for the next phase of this revolutionary program and ready to execute preliminary design,” said Jason Hurst, executive vice president of engineering at Bell. “We completed our initial risk reduction efforts with our sled test demonstration at Holloman Air Force Base, and we look forward to building on this success with our continued work with DARPA.”
In late 2023, Bell successfully conducted risk reduction testing at Holloman Air Force Base, featuring cutting-edge folding rotors, integrated propulsion, and flight control technologies. Leveraging its extensive experience in High-Speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (HSVTOL) technology and past X-plane projects, Bell is well-positioned to advance the development of the X-plane for this program.
Bell’s HSVTOL technology combines the agility of a helicopter with the speed (400+ kts), range, and resilience of jet aircraft. With over 85 years of expertise in high-speed vertical lift technology, Bell has been at the forefront of pioneering VTOL configurations such as the X-14, X-22, XV-3, and XV-15 for esteemed organizations like NASA, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force. Building on its rich legacy from the Bell X-1, Bell continues to push the boundaries of fast flight and innovation.
