Runways could soon matter far less for the US Army as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) pushes ahead with the X-76 experimental aircraft.
At the center of the design is the Stop/Fold rotor system, which uses wingtip-mounted propellers that deploy for vertical lift before folding their blades away once the aircraft transitions to forward flight.
The concept enables vertical takeoff, landing, and hovering.
Once airborne, the rotors fold into a low-drag configuration, allowing the plane to reach much higher speeds than traditional vertical-lift platforms.
Released renderings show the X-76 in what appears to be an uncrewed version, alongside a second concept image depicting a potential production variant that could be optionally crewed.
The aircraft is expected to cruise at speeds exceeding 400 knots (460 miles/740 kilometers per hour), with projected gross weights ranging from 4,000 to 100,000 pounds (1,800 to 45,400 kilograms).
Potential mission roles include combat search and rescue, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, air-to-air engagements, and air-to-surface strike operations.
From Concept to Reality
Developed by Bell Textron, the X-76 recently completed its Critical Design Review under DARPA’s Speed and Runway Independent Technologies program.
With the design validated, the program now moves into manufacturing, integration, assembly, and ground testing.
The X-76 prototype is scheduled for completion by 2027, with flight testing planned in 2028.
“Bell is honored to receive the X-76 designation and continue the spirit of American innovation, honoring the founding of the United States in 1776,” said Jason Hurst, senior vice president of engineering at Bell Textron.
“This is an important milestone as the Bell and DARPA team advances to a historic first in aviation history and fulfills our mission of developing next-generation vertical-lift aircraft.”
