Fri, Jul 05, 2024
DARPA Could Get a New Toy in the Path to 'Game Changing' Aircraft Capability
Aurora Flight Sciences has been chosen to continue onwards designing and developing its 'SPeed and Runway Independent Technologies' (or SPRINT, of course) X-Plane Demonstration Project.
The original program entered phase 1 in December of 2023, promising to develop a familiar silhouette to B-2 and F-117 enjoyers that could offer the commissioning entity, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) a low-drag, fin-in-wing demonstrator sporting a pancaked fuselage and blended wing design. It's an interesting way to tackle the end goal of the SPRINT program, since other entries competing for the gold have gone with a very different approach to the vertical takeoff problem. Aurora's design doesn't sport anything close to other companies' teardrop shape and multi-rotor layout. Instead, Aurora seems to believe they can equip the stealthy looking aircraft with a series of lift fans in the body of the aircraft itself. The final, completed prototype is supposed to meet or surpass the original DARPA program goals, providing a short takeoff, vertical landing UAV that can serve as the basis of future crewed craft.
“Aurora and Boeing bring relevant expertise in blended-wing-body platforms, high-speed VTOL configurations and military aircraft development,” says 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.”
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