HANGAR TALK
Bell Awarded Funding for Phase 1B of DARPA Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane Program
Bell Textron Inc. has recently been down-selected for Phase 1B of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane program. The SPRINT program intends to design, build, and fly an X-Plane, an experimental aircraft to demonstrate enabling technologies and integrated concepts necessary for a transformational combination of aircraft speed and runway independence for the next generation of air mobility platforms. In Phase 1A, Bell executed conceptual design review and will move into preliminary design efforts for the SPRINT X-Plane.
“Bell is honored to be selected for the next phase of this revolutionary program and ready to execute preliminary design,” said Jason Hurst, executive vice president of Engineering at Bell. “We completed our initial risk reduction efforts with our
sled test demonstration at Holloman Air Force Base, and we look forward to building on this success with our continued work with DARPA.”
Bell completed risk reduction testing at Holloman Air Force Base in late 2023, showcasing folding rotor, integrated propulsion, and flight control technologies. Bell is building on its investment in High-Speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (HSVTOL) technology and past X-Plane experience to inform the X-Plane development for this program.
Bell’s HSVTOL technology blends the hover capability of a helicopter with the speed (400+ knots), range, and survivability of jet aircraft. Bell has developed high-speed vertical lift technology for more than 85 years, pioneering innovative VTOL configurations like the X-14, X-22, XV-3 and XV-15 for NASA, the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. The company continues to build on its proven history of fast flight from the Bell X-1.
ENGINE MRO • Rolls-Royce – M250, RR300 • GE Aerospace – T700/CT7
• Pratt & Whitney – PT6T, PW200 Canada
RAISING THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
Tip-To-Tail services dedicated to keep you flying • Safran – Arriel 1 & 2
DYNAMIC COMPONENTS • Airbus – H125/AS350, AS355, H130/EC130, SA341, SA342 • Boeing – CH-47 all models
DESIGN SERVICES • Full FAA and EASA approved design and modification services
AIRFRAMES • Airbus – H120/EC120, H125/AS350 including Airbus approved Full “D” level structural repairs, AS355, EC135, H130/EC130, H215/AS332
• Bell – B204/205, B206, B222/230/430, UH-1series
• Boeing – CH-47 all models
AVIONICS • StableLight 4-Axis AutoPilot, ADS-B, Glass cockpit
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