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Advanced / Transformational Technology

DARPA Taps Four Firms For SPRINT Program To Develop High-Speed VTOL X-Planes

By Matthew Beinart

Monday, November 27th, 2023

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DARPA Taps Four Firms For SPRINT Program To Develop High-Speed VTOL X-Planes

Aurora Flight Sciences' concept for the DARPA SPRINT X-plane program. Photo: Aurora Flight Sciences.

DARPA has selected Boeing’s [BA] Aurora Flight Sciences, Bell [TXT], Northrop Grumman [NOC] and Piasecki Aircraft to develop competing vertical takeoff and landing prototypes capable of flying at speeds of up to 450 knots. Under Phase 1A of the Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane program, which is a joint DARPA and U.S. Special Operations Command effort, the four firms will work on conceptual designs leading to an eventual design review process. “The SPRINT X-plane is intended to be…

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