X-76 Tilt-Rotor Aircraft. © Bell Textron
Bell has completed the Critical Design Review for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s SPRINT program.
This milestone allows Bell Textron to begin building the next-generation tilt-rotor aircraft demonstrator, recently named the X-76.
In July 2025, Bell announced it had been selected for Phase 2 of the program—another step in its more than 90-year history of developing experimental X-planes.
X-76 Tilt-Rotor Aircraft. © Bell Textron
The goal of the SPRINT program, funded by DARPA and the United States Special Operations Command, is to create new technologies for aircraft that do not need traditional runways. The plan is to design an aircraft that can fly at 400–450 knots while also hovering and operating from rough, unprepared surfaces.
X-76 Tilt-Rotor Aircraft. © Bell Textron
During Phases 1A and 1B, Bell completed the concept and early design work for the SPRINT X-plane.
Phase 2 will focus on detailed design, building the aircraft, and ground testing. This will eventually lead to flight tests in Phase 3.
Bell has a long history of pushing the limits of aviation, developing experimental aircraft such as the Bell X-1, Bell XV-3, and Bell XV-15. The SPRINT program aims to combine that experience into a new aircraft capable of jet-like speeds without needing a runway.
X-76 Tilt-Rotor Aircraft. © Bell Textron
“Bell is honored to receive the X-76 designation and continue the spirit of American innovation honoring the founding of the United States in 1776,” said Jason Hurst, Bell SVP, Engineering. “This is an important milestone as the Bell and DARPA team advances to a historic first in aviation history and fulfill our mission of developing next-generation vertical-lift aircraft.”
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