Aurora Flight Sciences is to progress its concept of a high-speed, vertical lift X-plane into a detailed design for DARPA after a successful preliminary design review.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) program 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.
Aurora’s concept is a low-drag, fan-in-wing demonstrator that integrates a blended wing body platform with the agility of a VTOL, combining it with high-speed capabilities. The aircraft would be used for air mobility and Special Operations Forces (SOF) missions.
New renderings released by Aurora of the fan-in-wing (FIW) demonstrator reveal three lift fans, a more refined, composite exterior; and an uncrewed cockpit.
The choice of three lift fans reflects the team’s strategy to simplify the demonstrator and streamline its path to flight test, said the company. The FIW technology could be scaled to four or more lift fans to meet future aircraft requirements, and it could unlock opportunities for a future family of systems.
Similarly, while an uncrewed demonstrator offers benefits in testing and risk reduction, the FIW technology would be fully transferrable to traditional aircraft with crews.
The blended wing body platform is capable of 450 knot cruise speed, and the embedded lift fans with integrated covers allow a smooth transition from vertical to horizontal flight.
The design leverages existing engine solutions, shortening development risk and timelines. In addition to VTOL, the aircraft is capable of short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL), super short take-off and landing (SSTOL), and conventional take-off and landing.
Larry Wirsing, vice president of aircraft development at Aurora Flight Sciences said, “Aurora and Boeing bring relevant expertise in blended-wing-body platforms, high-speed VTOL configurations, and military aircraft development.
The DARPA SPRINT program is an exciting opportunity to continue our history of advancing technology demonstrator programs that enable new capabilities for the U.S. military.”
