Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing company, has completed the conceptual design review for a high-speed, vertical lift X-plane and has been chosen to proceed with the development of a preliminary design review. This aircraft is part of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program called Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT), which aims to demonstrate the key technologies and integrated concepts enabling a transformational combination of aircraft speed and runway independence.
Aurora’s concept is a low-drag, fan-in-wing demonstrator that integrates a blended wing body platform, combining the agility of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) with unprecedented speed. The team’s approach seeks to set the program on the path to successful flight and demonstrate game-changing capability for air mobility and Special Operations Forces (SOF) missions.
The latest renderings of the fan-in-wing (FIW) demonstrator showcase a sleek, composite exterior and three lift fans, representing a strategic and simplified approach to expedite the path to flight testing. The versatility of the FIW technology is evident in its potential to scale to accommodate four or more lift fans, catering to diverse aircraft requirements and paving the way for a future family of systems.
Additionally, the decision to use an uncrewed cockpit for the demonstrator underscores its advantages in testing and risk mitigation while also highlighting the seamless transferability of the FIW technology to crewed traditional aircraft.
Aurora’s concept is designed to meet or exceed the challenging program objectives that DARPA set for the program. For example, the blended wing body platform is capable of 450-knot cruise speed, and the embedded lift fans with integrated covers allow a smooth transition from vertical to horizontal flight.
The design also leverages existing engine solutions, shortening development risk and timelines. In addition to VTOL, the aircraft is capable of short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL), super short take-off and landing (SSTOL), and conventional take-off and landing.
“Aurora and Boeing bring relevant expertise in blended-wing-body platforms, high-speed VTOL configurations, and military aircraft development,” said Larry Wirsing, vice president of aircraft development at Aurora Flight Sciences. “The DARPA SPRINT program is an exciting opportunity to continue our history of advancing technology demonstrator programs that enable new capabilities for the U.S. military.”
Aurora and Boeing’s Vertical Lift teams are leveraging over 30 years of expertise in innovative vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) platforms, combined with a proven technology maturation process. The team aims to complete the preliminary design review for the SPRINT program within 12 months, with the ambitious goal of achieving the first flight in just 36 months.
