Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing company, recently completed stability and control wind tunnel testing for its high-speed vertical take-off and landing (HSVTOL) concept.
The test marks a key milestone in the preliminary design phase of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) program. The SPRINT program aims to design, build, and fly an X-plane to demonstrate key technologies that enable a transformational combination of aircraft speed and runway independence.
Aurora’s concept employs embedded lift fan technology and a blended wing body design to provide scalable capability, allowing the aircraft to cruise at 450 KTAS and take off and land vertically on unprepared surfaces.
The wind tunnel test, completed in March at Boeing’s V/STOL wind tunnel near Philadelphia, used a 20% scale model to collect valuable data on the low-speed handling of the vehicle’s unique profile, particularly during the critical transition from vertical to forward flight. The data will be used to validate computer models, support the program’s flight simulator database, and expand the team’s knowledge base for full-scale vehicle design.
This recent wind tunnel test was the second major test event scheduled for the X-plane’s preliminary design phase. It follows last year’s ground effect test, which demonstrated that the suck-down effects created by the lift fans in hover were negligible and that the landing gear is set at an appropriate height to minimize adverse pitching moments during ground operations.
Larry Wirsing, vice president of aircraft development at Aurora Flight Sciences, commented, “This SPRINT wind tunnel test has validated our analytical estimates of the performance of the aircraft. With this successful risk reduction testing completed, the program is ready to proceed into detailed design.
“Aurora and Boeing have assembled a world-class team of experts in advanced vertical lift technologies, and we are looking forward to the opportunity to continue working with the Government team to finish the design, build, and flight test of this aircraft that will demonstrate game-changing capabilities in speed, agility, and cargo capacity.”
Connect with Aurora Flight Sciences at XPONENTIAL 2025, booth #3321.
