Bell Completes Wind Tunnel Test to Prove Stability of New Stop/Fold Jet Technology for Vertical Lift Aircraft

Bell Textron has completed wind tunnel testing at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University for the DARPA Speed and Runway Independent Technology (SPRINT) program.

This follows an evaluation of the Stop/Fold rotor system at the Holloman High Speed Test Track in 2023.

The wind tunnel testing phase confirmed the aircraft's stability and control during rotor fold and unfold sequences in flight, marking a step forward in the SPRINT program. This development builds upon prior testing and sets the stage for a flight demonstration.

“After completing folding rotor transition testing last year, we’re excited to move into the next phase of testing,” said Jason Hurst, Executive Vice President of Engineering at Bell. “Bell’s Stop/Fold systems will revolutionize vertical lift aircraft capabilities, enhancing speed, range, and survivability, especially in contested environments.”

Bell is now in Phase 1B of the DARPA SPRINT program, which aims to develop and fly an experimental aircraft (X-Plane) showcasing breakthrough technologies for air mobility and air combat. The scalable Stop/Fold system combines jet speed with runway independence, providing enhanced strategic advantages in operations with limited runways, particularly in regions like the Indo-Pacific. The company claims that this unique aircraft design is also suited for Special Operations, improving mission speed, range, and survivability.