Texas-based Bell Textron, an aerospace and defense company, recently completed the critical design review stage of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) SPeed and Runway INdependent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane program and received an X-Plane designation.
The designation allows Bell to begin building the X-76, a next-generation aircraft demonstrator.
The SPRINT program plans to design an aircraft with the ability to cruise at speeds from 400 to 450 knots at relevant altitudes and hover in austere environments from unprepared surfaces.
“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,” Jason Hurst, Bell senior vice president of engineering, said. “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.”
Bell completed conceptual and preliminary design efforts for the SPRINT X-plane during the program’s phase 1A and 1B. DARPA selected Bell for phase two in July 2025. The second phase 2 will design, build and ground test the aircraft.
Bell is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron, a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services.