DARPA picks Bell Textron to build runway-independent X-Plane

DARPA picks Bell Textron to build runway-independent X-Plane

Bell will now proceed in DARPA’s Speed and Runway Independent Technologies program, which has eliminated Aurora Flight Sciences from the running.

DARPA Picks Bell Textron for New Runway-less Drone X-Plane

A new drone concept featuring folding props has won out for an experimental new aircraft program run by DARPA. A Bell Textron drone design prevailed over a competing fan-in-wing offering from Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences unit for DARPA’s Speed and Runway-Independent Technologies (SPRINT) project, Bell announced July 9. The X-Plane will demonstrate its capabilities for special operations forces, while also offering the characteristics the Air…

DARPA Taps Bell To Build X-Plane Demonstrator, Aims For Flight Testing In 2028 - Defense Daily

The Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has selected Bell [TXT] to build a X-plane demonstrator capable of flying at speeds of up to 450 knots, with the office […]

Bell to develop high-speed VTOL demonstrator in next phase of DARPA’s SPRINT X-Plane programme

The programme aims to develop aircraft capable of cruising at speeds between 400 and 450 knots at operational altitudes, while also being able to hover in austere environments and operate from unprepared surfaces. Bell previously completed conceptual and preliminary design work under Phases 1A and 1B of the programme. “Bell is honored to have been selected for the next phase of DARPA’s SPRINT program and is excited to demonstrate a brand-new air…

Bell to Build X-Plane for Phase 2 of DARPA Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane Program

From Bell Textron Inc., July 9, 2025  Bell awarded funding for X-plane build phase of SPRINT program  Fort Worth, TX (July 9, 2024) — Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has been down-selected for Phase 2 of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane program with the objective to complete design, construction, ground testing and certification of an X-plane demon…

Bell advances to build phase of secretive DARPA high-speed VTOL ...

Bell’s concept for an advanced tiltrotor-jet hybrid aircraft will move into the build stage of the US Defense Advanced Research Project Agency’s Speed and Runway Independent Technologies X-plane contest, after defeating rival finalist Aurora Flight Sciences.