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Darpa Chooses Bell Textron For Revolutionary New Aircraft Development
Bell Textron Inc., a leading aerospace and defense company, has been selected by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for Phase 2 of its Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane program. This marks an exciting milestone in the development of an innovative aircraft that will have the ability to cruise at high speeds and hover in austere environments, opening up new possibilities for military operations.
The SPRINT X-plane program aims to design, construct, ground test, and certify a demonstrator aircraft that can reach speeds from 400 to 450 knots at relevant altitudes and take off and land from unprepared surfaces. This ambitious goal requires significant advancements in technology, particularly in the areas of folding rotors, integrated propulsion, and flight control systems.
“We are thrilled to have been selected for the next phase of DARPA’s SPRINT program,” said Jason Hurst, senior vice president of Engineering at Bell Textron Inc. “This is a testament to our team’s dedication and expertise in developing cutting-edge technologies that benefit our warfighters.”
Bell’s journey with the SPRINT program began with conceptual and preliminary design efforts in Phase 1A and 1B. The company has since 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.
To prepare for X-plane development, Bell has been working closely with DARPA to validate its design assumptions and test key components of the aircraft. This includes testing the folding rotor system, which is a critical component of the SPRINT X-plane’s ability to take off and land from unprepared surfaces. The company has also conducted extensive wind tunnel testing at NIAR, where it has validated the performance of its unique airframe design.
Bell’s experience in developing high-speed vertical lift technology dates back to the 1950s, when it pioneered 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. These programs laid the foundation for Bell’s expertise in folding rotor technology, which has been a key enabler of its X-plane development.
The Phase 2 contract is expected to span approximately two years, during which time Bell will focus on detailed design and build, culminating in flight testing during Phase 3. The company has already begun work on the X-plane demonstrator, with a team of engineers and technicians working tirelessly to bring this ambitious project to life.
The success of the SPRINT X-plane program will depend on the collaboration and expertise of all parties involved. DARPA’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological innovation is matched only by Bell’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge aircraft that benefit our military.
The potential benefits of the SPRINT X-plane program are significant, with applications extending far beyond military operations. By developing an aircraft that can cruise at high speeds and hover in austere environments, Bell and DARPA aim to open up new possibilities for civilian aviation, search and rescue missions, and other use cases that require rapid transit and maneuverability.
As the SPRINT X-plane program moves forward, it will be exciting to see how this innovative technology evolves and is applied in real-world scenarios. With its rich history of innovation and expertise in high-speed vertical lift technology, Bell is well-positioned to deliver a game-changing aircraft that will revolutionize military operations.