New X-76 ... Speed Of A Jet, Freedom Of A Helicopter

April 1, 2026

March 9, 2026 - 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 ... that can be scaled to different size military aircraft ... with the goal to cruise at speeds from 400 to 450 knots at relevant altitudes and hover in austere environments from unprepared surfaces.

The Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) project is a joint DARPA/U.S. Special Operations Command effort that aims to design, build, and fly an X-plane to demonstrate the key technologies and integrated concepts that enable a transformational combination of aircraft speed and runway independence.

Image created by USA Patriotism! from DARPA photos by George Wertz.

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) | U.S. Department of War