Bell has completed the Critical Design Review for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s SPeed and Runway INdependent Technologies (SPRINT) programme, clearing the company to begin building the aircraft demonstrator now designated the X-76.

The milestone moves the programme into the construction phase of the next-generation vertical lift aircraft designed to combine runway independence with significantly higher cruise speeds than conventional helicopters. Bell was down-selected in July 2025 for Phase 2 of the programme. The SPRINT effort is jointly funded by DARPA and U.S. Special Operations Command.

“Bell is honored to receive the X-76 designation and continue the spirit of American innovation honoring the founding of the United States in 1776,” says Jason Hurst, SVP Engineering at Bell. “This is an important milestone as the Bell and DARPA team advances to a historic first in aviation history and fulfill our mission of developing next-generation vertical lift aircraft.”

During Phase 1A and 1B Bell completed conceptual and preliminary design activities for the experimental aircraft. Phase 2 covers detailed design, construction of the demonstrator and ground testing ahead of flight testing planned for Phase 3.

Bell says the programme draws on decades of experimental aircraft development experience spanning the X-1 through to the XV-3 and XV-15 tiltrotor research aircraft.

“The Bell team looks forward to seeing X-76 take flight and bring this capability to our warfighters,” adds Hurst.