System Combines Jet Speeds With VTOL Capability

Bell Textron announced the completion of wind tunnel testing of its Stop/Fold folding rotor system at the National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University.

This testing was in support of the DARPA Speed and Runway Independent Technology (SPRINT) program, and follows the successful evaluation of the rotor system using the Holloman High Speed Test Track in New Mexico in 2023.

Augmenting the previous testing, the wind tunnel program validated the stability and control of the aircraft through the rotor fold and unfold sequence in flight. The validation of those parameters show that the concept is ready to progress into a flight demonstration as part of the DARPA SPRINT program.

Jason Hurst, EVP of Engineering at Bell said, “After completing folding rotor transition testing on the sled at Holloman Air Force Base last year, we’re thrilled to have now completed this next phase of testing.

Bell’s advanced Stop/Fold family of systems will revolutionize the speed, range and survivability of vertical lift aircraft to enable operations in contested environments. We are excited to be part of another aviation milestone with this breakthrough technology.”

The SPRINT program is currently in its Phase 1B and its intention is to design, build, and fly an experimental aircraft (X Plane) to demonstrate the concepts and technology required for the transformational combination of aircraft speed and runway independence for the next generation of air mobility and air combat platforms.

FMI:  www.bellflight.com/