Bell Textron has been awarded exclusive responsibility for DARPA’s SPRINT X-Plane initiative, surpassing Aurora Flight Sciences in the competitive selection. Under Phase 2, Bell will handle detailed design, construction, testing, and certification of the vertical takeoff-capable, high-speed demonstrator aircraft.
The aircraft is expected to be completed by 2027, with flight tests beginning in 2028. The SPRINT program—launched with U.S. SOCOM—aims to create a runway-independent platform that cruises at 400–450 knots (460–517 mph) and can hover in rugged, unprepared environments.
This effort complements Bell’s parallel role in developing the FLRAA to replace the Black Hawk helicopter for the U.S. Army.
