An experimental aircraft that achieves a level of mobility akin to a helicopter but with subsonic speeds powered by a jet engine has been unveiled by aerospace manufacturer Bell Textron.
The company, which manufactures military rotorcraft in Texas, has completed wind tunnel testing of the new aircraft in support of DARPA’s SPRINT programme – the research arm of the US Department of Defense.
The SPRINT program was launched to design, build and fly various experimental aircraft – dubbed X-planes – that are intended to ensure that the US military’s aviation capabilities remain cutting-edge.
Bell’s aircraft is able to take off using a rotor blade system, similar to a traditional helicopter, but once in flight the blades are designed to fold back into the body. In their place jet engines take over, giving the plane access to subsonic speeds of up to 833 km/h with a range of 370km.
The dual flight system is able to capitalise on available runways to maximise the aircraft’s payload and range....