Bell to Build X-Plane for Phase 2 of DARPA Program

Bell Textron Inc. reached a significant milestone by being selected for Phase 2 of the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane program. This esteemed program aims to advance aviation technology by developing cutting-edge aircraft that operate efficiently in diverse environments, with an emphasis on speed and the capability to take off and land without traditional runways.

The main goal of the SPRINT X-Plane program is to finalise the design, construction, ground testing, and certification of an advanced X-plane demonstrator. This demonstrator is intended to exhibit innovative capabilities that have the potential to transform both military and civilian aviation. By emphasising speed and runway independence, the program seeks to develop aircraft capable of rapid deployment and agile manoeuvres, thereby significantly improving operational effectiveness across diverse mission scenarios.

Bell contributes extensive experience and innovative thinking to the SPRINT program. The company is renowned for its dedication to advancing cutting-edge technologies that enhance flight performance, safety, and efficiency. In this phase of the program, Bell will utilise its expertise in aerodynamics, materials science, and systems integration to design an X-plane that fulfils the stringent requirements established by DARPA.

Once the aircraft has been constructed, it will undergo a series of ground tests to evaluate its systems, structural integrity, and overall performance. These tests are crucial for identifying any potential issues before the aircraft takes to the skies. Following successful ground testing, the certification process will begin, ensuring that the X-plane meets all regulatory and safety standards required for flight operations.

“Bell is honoured to have been selected for the next phase of DARPA’s SPRINT program and is excited to demonstrate a brand-new aircraft with the first-ever stop/fold technology,” said Jason Hurst, senior vice president, Engineering. “This is an achievement we’ve been working towards for over 10 years, as we’ve leveraged our nearly 90-year history of X-plane development to bring new technology to our warfighters.”

The goal of the program is to provide these aircraft with the ability to cruise at speeds from 400 to 450 knots at relevant altitudes and hover in austere environments from unprepared surfaces. In Phase 1A and 1B, Bell completed conceptual and preliminary design efforts for the SPRINT X-plane. Phase 2 includes detailed design and build culminating in flight test during Phase 3.

In preparation for X-plane development, Bell has completed significant risk reduction activities, including demonstrating folding rotor, integrated propulsion, and flight control technologies at Holloman Air Force Base as well as wind tunnel testing at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University. Bell has a rich history of breaking barriers and high-speed vertical lift technology development, pioneering innovative VTOL configurations like the X-14, X-22, XV-3 and XV-15 for NASA, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force, and continues to build on the legacy of the Bell X-1.