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DARPA's New X-76: The Speed of a Jet, The Freedom of a Helicopter DARPA's new X-76: the speed of a jet, the freedom of a helicopter SPRINT X-76 enters build phase to demonstrate runway-independent, high-speed flight Artist's concept for the SPRINT X-76, a proof-of-concept technology demonstrator that aims to demonstrate technologies and concepts needed for runway-independent, high-speed flight. Artist's concept for the SPRINT X-76, a proof-of-concept technology demonstrator that aims to demonstrate technologies and concepts needed for runway-independent, high-speed flight. | Download Source: DARPA | Colie Wertz Mar 9, 2026 Eliminating one of the battlefield's most difficult choices - between the high speed of an aircraft that needs a runway and the go-anywhere flexibility of a slower helicopter - is the goal of DARPA's SPeed and Runway INdependent Technologies (SPRINT) program. Announcing DARPA's Newest X-Plane, X-76 SPRINT's experimental aircraft, officially revealed as the X-76, is now being built by Bell Textron, Inc. following a successful Critical Design Review (CDR). The designation places it within the historic lineage of X-planes that have long served to test the boundaries of aviation. Coinciding with the country's 250th anniversary, the X-76 designation is a deliberate nod to the revolutionary spirit of 1776. The SPRINT program is a joint effort between DARPA and U.S. Special Operations Command to advance technologies that could break the long-standing military trade-off between the high speed of fixed-wing aircraft and the agile, runway-independent operations of vertical takeoff and landing platforms. The design, construction, and flight testing of the X-76 will drive innovative, runway-independent, vertical-lift capability with jet-like cruise performance and inform future needs. The Mission: Breaking Aviation's Oldest Trade-Off SPRINT began its second phase (Phase 2) in May 2025 following the downselect to Bell. With the successful completion of the CDR, the program will shift focus to manufacturing, integration, assembly, and ground testing of the X-76 demonstrator. The demonstrator will mature technologies necessary for a transformational combination of the following capabilities: * Achieve cruise at speeds exceeding 400 knots * Hover in austere environments * Operate from unprepared surfaces "For too long, the runway has been both an enabler and a tether, granting speed but creating a critical vulnerability," said Cmdr. Ian Higgins, U.S. Navy, serving as the DARPA SPRINT program manager. "With SPRINT, we're not just building an X-plane; we're building options. We're working to deliver the option of surprise, the option of rapid reinforcement, and the option of life-saving speed, anywhere on the globe, without needing any runway." Phase 2 will be followed by a flight test program in Phase 3, which is planned for early 2028. Office Tactical Technology Office Related content * SPRINT: Speed and Runway Independent Technologies Download high-res images Contact Work with DARPA Be part of a cutting-edge research and development agency that's pushing the boundaries of what's possible, in an energetic environment with excellent benefits. Find your future with DARPA Careers > Our program managers are visionary leaders whose experience spans industry, government, and academia. They conceive, plan, and oversee the high-risk R&D efforts for which we are best known. See all people at DARPA > Research Opportunities luke-arm-2024 Redefining Possible DARPA has pushed, and will continue to push, the boundaries of technological possibility. 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