Bell Textron has been selected to move into Phase 2 of DARPA’s Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane programme. The aim is to design, build, ground test and certify a demonstrator aircraft capable of 400–450 knot cruise speeds with vertical lift from unprepared surfaces.

Phase 1A and 1B focused on conceptual and preliminary design. The current phase includes detailed design and production, leading into flight testing during Phase 3.

Bell's executive vice president of Engineering, Jason Hurst, says: “Bell is honoured to have been selected for the next phase of DARPA’s SPRINT programme and is excited to demonstrate a brand-new aircraft with the first-ever stop/fold technology. 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.”

Bell has carried out risk reduction activity ahead of development, including testing folding rotor, integrated propulsion and flight control systems at Holloman Air Force Base and conducting wind tunnel tests at NIAR, Wichita State University. Bell’s previous VTOL projects include the X-14, X-22, XV-3 and XV-15, and it continues to build on the legacy of the Bell X-1.