INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
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
400 to 450 knots at relevant altitudes and hover in austere environments from unprepared surfaces
In Phase 1A and 1B, Bell completed conceptual and preliminary design efforts for the SPRINT X-plane
Phase 2 includes detailed design and build culminating in flight test during Phase 3.In preparation for X-plane development, Bell has
completed significant risk reduction activities including demonstrating folding rotor, integrated propulsion, and flight control
technologies at Holloman Air Force Base as well as wind tunnel testing at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita
Bell has a rich history of breaking barriers and high-speed vertical lift technology development, pioneering innovative VTOL configurations
like the X-14, X-22, XV-3 and XV-15 for NASA, the U.S
1A of SPRINT began in late 2023 with several competitors, including Northrop Grumman and Piasecki Aircraft Corp
At that time, a first flight was forecast within 36 months
DARPA had also suggested that two contractors might be continued into Phase 2, but has decided to continue with just the Bell
concept.Sources: Bell; Air & Space Forces;
