Bell Textron has been selected as the sole contractor for DARPA’s high-speed experimental aircraft project, outpacing Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences. The contract, under Phase 2 of the Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane program, tasks Bell with designing, building, ground testing, and certifying its demonstrator aircraft.
DARPA expects the demonstrator to be ready by 2027, with flight testing slated for 2028. Launched in partnership with U.S. Special Operations Command, the SPRINT initiative seeks to develop an aircraft capable of jet-like speeds—between 400 to 450 knots—while offering vertical takeoff and landing from unprepared terrains.
In addition to the X-Plane, Bell is also working on the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), which will replace the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
