Aerospace Group:

Advanced / Transformational Technology

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

By Matthew Beinart

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

SHARE:

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

Artist's rendering of Bell's X-plane concept for DARPA's SPRINT program. Photo: Bell.

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 confirming to Defense Daily it aims to have a platform completed in 2027 to support flight testing in 2028. Bell, which beat out Boeing’s [BA] Aurora Flight Sciences, noted that its work on Phase 2 of the Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) program will include completing design, construction, ground…

Congress

Trump Wants Second Reconciliation Bill On His Desk By June 1

President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on Congress to pass and send a second reconciliation bill to his desk by June 1. The deadline follows congressional Republicans’ backing a pursuit […]

Space

Upgrading Current GPS Ground System “Now a Viable Option,” As GPS OCX Problems Continue, Space Official Says

Upgrades to the GPS ground system–the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP)–is an option under consideration by the Defense Department’s space acquisition chief, as problems continue in fielding the GPS Next Generation […]

Congress

Graham Says GOP To Move Ahead On Second Reconciliation Bill, With Defense Funds As Priority

Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday, with the White House’s backing, his panel will move “expeditiously” on crafting a second reconciliation bill, citing priorities for defense and […]

Pentagon

Hegseth Acknowledges Potential $200 Billion Iran Supplemental Request, Final Figure ‘Could Move’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday acknowledged the Pentagon could potentially ask Congress for $200 billion in supplemental funding to support the ongoing operation against Iran and replenish munitions used […]