Defense News ,U.S :- The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has initiated a groundbreaking collaboration with four prominent companies to create an experimental vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft capable of achieving unprecedented speeds, surpassing the capabilities of the V-22 Osprey. This initiative, known as the Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) program, responds to the U.S. military strategic need for aircraft capable of operating in areas devoid of traditional runways.
In November, DARPA awarded contracts to Aurora Flight Sciences, Bell Textron, Northrop Grumman, and Piasecki Aircraft Corp., totaling $15 million to $20 million for the initial phase of the program. The goal is for one of these companies to complete the design, prototyping, construction, and maiden flight of their aircraft by the spring of 2027.
Speed is a critical requirement for the SPRINT aircraft, with DARPA aiming for speeds between 400 and 450 knots (460 to 520 mph) during forward flight—significantly faster than the V-22 Osprey maximum speed of 270 knots. Navy Cmdr. Ian Higgins, SPRINT program manager, emphasized the challenge of achieving these high-end speeds beyond existing aircraft limitations.
The SPRINT aircraft must exhibit the ability to hover, ensure stability, seamlessly transition between hovering and forward flight, and employ a distributed power system that effectively powers all propulsion systems during transitions. The focus of the program is not on survivability or potential payload but on pushing the boundaries of speed and agility.
DARPA has given participating companies considerable freedom in their design approaches. The aircraft can be crewed or uncrewed, and autonomy options range from fully autonomous to semi-autonomous. Concept art released by Bell Textron showcases an Osprey-like tiltrotor design on an apparently uncrewed aircraft, highlighting a blend of helicopter hover capability with the speed, range, and survivability of a jet aircraft.
Aurora, a Boeing subsidiary, is working on a high-lift, low-drag, fan-in-wing aircraft with a blended wing body and embedded engines for forward flight. The SPRINT initiative encourages innovative solutions, and companies are drawing inspiration from previous projects, such as Bell high-speed VTOL technology and Aurora Excalibur uncrewed aircraft.
The current phase involves a six-month conceptual design period, and by May 2024, companies must demonstrate the viability of their concepts to proceed to the next phase. DARPA aims to select a finalist by then, and by 2027, have a fully functional prototype capable of meeting the program ambitious objectives.
The potential applications for high-speed vertical lift aircraft are extensive, ranging from special operations and mobility logistics to medical transport and evacuation missions. The envisioned versatility could prove invaluable in future conflict scenarios, enabling aircraft to take off and land in unconventional locations without traditional runways.
Although the SPRINT project outcome is uncertain, DARPA innovative approach aims to explore cutting-edge technologies, with the hope that successful developments may eventually integrate into future military programs. As Navy Cmdr. Ian Higgins noted, "The beauty of DARPA is we pose these challenging problems that may or may not be achievable, and we see what the current state of the art is."
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