Bell Demos High-Speed Vertical Flight to Air Force

Bell has showcased its High-Speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (HSVTOL) technology capabilities upon completion of testing efforts at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The team has utilized the Holloman High Speed Test Track to demonstrate the folding rotor, integrated propulsion and flight control technologies at representative flight speeds.

“The technology demonstration provides Bell with critical experience and knowledge that will inform our X-plane development for DARPA’s SPRINT program,” said Jason Hurst, Executive Vice President, Engineering. “It is a pivotal step in the creation next generation of high-speed vertical lift aircraft for future warfighters.”

The SPRINT program intends to design, build, and fly an X-Plane, an experimental aircraft to demonstrate enabling technologies and integrated concepts necessary for a transformational combination of aircraft speed and runway independence for the next generation of air mobility platforms.