Boeing and its subsidiary, Aurora Flight Sciences, have pulled the veil off an electrifying X-plane concept poised to reshape the landscape of warfare with its high-speed agility and groundbreaking vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities. Funded under DARPA’s Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) program, this bold innovation could serve as the linchpin in enhancing Special Operations Forces missions.
Larry Wirsing, vice president of aircraft development at Aurora, emphasized the transformative potential of the aircraft, stating, “Through our X-plane concept for the DARPA SPRINT program, we aim to demonstrate technologies that will enable the game-changing combination of high-speed flight with the ability to take off and land in austere environments.” This integration of high-velocity travel—anticipated to hit 400 to 450 knots (460 to 518 miles per hour)—with the dexterity to hover and touch down in confined areas.
The proposed X-plane fuses the swiftness of a 747 jet with the nimbleness inherent in VTOL designs. It stands to deliver unparalleled strategic advantages, particularly in rapid deployment and extraction scenarios where conventional runways are either unsuitable or non-existent. Additionally, the aircraft’s capability to transport up to 5,000 pounds adds a layer of logistical flexibility for armed forces.
Aurora’s innovative approach is epitomized by the X-plane’s sleek, low-drag, blended-wing body and the integration of three lift fans within the wings, engineered for vertical ascents and descents. These lift fans, concealed by streamlined covers, allow for a seamless transition between vertical and horizontal flight.
While the initial X-plane will be remotely piloted during tests to mitigate risks, the team at Aurora reveals that a crewed version could very well be in the pipeline for future evaluations, with the inaugural flight expected within 36 months. In addition to this high-speed VTOL X-plane, Aurora is also developing the X-65 for the DARPA CRANE program, utilizing active flow control for maneuvering, eliminating the need for traditional flaps and rudders.
The unveiling of Boeing’s X-plane joins the ranks of pioneering research and development spearheaded by NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, which has historically tested a wide array of X-planes, each tailored to push the envelope in various aspects of aviation, such as supersonic travel, flexible wing structures, and electric propulsion.
The significance of this development resonates with the words of Larry Wirsing, who asserted, “Aurora and Boeing bring relevant expertise in blended-wing-body platforms, high-speed VTOL configurations, and military aircraft development.”
Relevant articles:
– The High-Speed X-Plane That Could Revolutionize Warfare, Newsweek
– Planes at Armstrong, nasa.gov
– This Bonkers High-Speed X-Plane Combines a Jet’s Speed With a VTOL’s Agility, Yahoo
– Aurora Reveals Refined Concept For DARPA’s High-Speed VTOL X-Plane, Aviation Week