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Bell's X-76 Demonstrator Advances in DARPA's SPRINT Program

March 10, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Bell's X-76 demonstrator passes Critical Design Review.
Aircraft aims to cruise at over 400 knots and hover in austere environments.
Phase 3 flight testing planned for early 2028.
X-76 features first-of-its-kind stop/fold technology.

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Strategic Implications

The X-76 program may signal a significant shift in military aviation capabilities, potentially addressing the long-standing tradeoff between speed and flexibility. The successful development of this aircraft could indicate a new era of high-speed vertical lift technology, which may benefit both military and civilian applications.

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What Happened

High-Speed Vertical Lift Aircraft Moves to Build Phase

Bell’s high-speed vertical lift demonstrator, the X-76, has passed its Critical Design Review, allowing the aircraft to move into the build phase. The X-76 is being developed under DARPA’s SPRINT program, a joint effort with US Special Operations Command, with the goal of demonstrating an aircraft that can cruise at over 400 knots while still hovering in austere environments. The program aims to address a long-standing tradeoff in aviation between the speed of fixed-wing aircraft and the flexibility of vertical lift platforms. According to AeroTime, Phase 3 flight testing is planned for early 2028.

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