Aurora Flight Sciences has completed its conceptual design of an experimental vertical-takeoff-and-landing plane for the Department of Defense, moving into the next phase. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) wants the SPRINT X-plane to reach speeds between 400 and 450 knots, with stable hovering capabilities.
Aurora, along with three other companies, received contracts in November 2023 to start their conceptual designs. Aurora recently received a $25 million contract modification to continue working on the SPRINT program. The company is the only one to receive another contract so far.
Aurora’s blended-wing design for the SPRINT program uses lift fans to fly vertically and shift to engines for forward flight, allowing high-speed travel. The company also received a contract to design an experimental heavy cargo seaplane.
DARPA plans to eliminate at least one of the companies after the conceptual design phase for the SPRINT program. Aurora’s SPRINT team aims to finish the preliminary design review in about a year, with a goal of the first flight in three years.