DARPA’s Speed and Track Independent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane program passes a new milestone. DARPA has selected Bell’s X-Plane
This US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) focuses on experimental aircraft design, construction, and flight. The goal is to demonstrate crucial technologies and integrated concepts to achieve a transformative combination of aircraft speed and runway independence, essential for the next generation of air mobility platforms.
Phase 1A of the program includes the conceptual design, which will conclude with a formal review of said design. Bell Textron Inc. plans to invest in high-speed vertical take-off and landing (HSVTOL) technology to demonstrate the technology. The company conducts risk reduction testing at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. These tests include the demonstration of folding rotor and flight control technologies using a dedicated test article.
Bell’s HSVTOL technology fuses the hovering ability of a helicopter with the characteristics of a jet aircraft, such as speed (400+ knots), range and survivability.
DARPA Selected Bell for X-Plane Programme
