DARPA moves to next stage of fast cruise VTOL
Bell plans to build on its previous X-plane work. (Image: Bell Textron)
DARPA and SOCOM’s SPRINT programme, an effort to create an X-plane to demonstrate the key technologies to enable a combination of aircraft speed and runway independence, has moved to the next phase.
Two companies involved in DARPA’s Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) project, largely an effort to investigate technologies around combining aircraft speed and runway independence, have released details of their offerings.
DARPA has described the programme as ‘a proof-of-concept technology demonstrator and its flight test programme seeks to validate enabling technologies and integrated concepts that can be scaled to different size military aircraft’.
The solicitation to bidders states that the aircraft should be able to cruise at more than 741kph and carry a load of 2,267kg. It needs to be able to operate at between 4,572m and 9,144m and hover in
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK eyes lightweight satellite communications for UAVs]()
UK eyes lightweight satellite communications for UAVs
The UK is seeking to extend the operational reach of uncrewed aerial vehicles, reflecting growing demand for compact, energy-efficient technology to support beyond-line-of-sight operations.
-
![The new generation of defence companies emerging from the US UAV boom]()
The new generation of defence companies emerging from the US UAV boom
As the Pentagon accelerates procurement of low-cost, lethal UAVs through its Drone Dominance Program, emerging suppliers will need to demonstrate manufacturing capacity, supply chain resilience and reliability.
-
![US Coast Guard faces key procurement decisions after C-130J and MQ-9B orders]()
US Coast Guard faces key procurement decisions after C-130J and MQ-9B orders
The service is updating several parts of its aviation fleet including fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft and procuring uncrewed aircraft to boost its maritime surveillance.
