Swift Engineering to provide composites-based fuselage for DARPA SPRINT X-plane

Swift Engineering, a developer of advanced technologies for unmanned aviation and a range of other applications, announced it has been selected as a supplier for the recently announced Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) X-plane program.

Bell Textron Inc. is the prime contractor for the program, which is being managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The program is currently in Phase 2, with the objective to complete design, construction, ground testing and certification on an X-plane demonstrator.

X-plane program details

Swift said it will provide design and manufacturing services for the production of a composites-based fuselage for the vehicle. These materials from Swift are designed to be lightweight, strong, precise and high-quality, and are produced in a Nadcap Composites accredited environment. Swift said its composite technicians are highly skilled and experienced, with a focus on hand lay-up laminates, cored structures and detailed assemblies.

Download our October 2025 SFI today.

"We are very pleased to be chosen to participate as a project team member on this exceptional program," said Hamed Khalkhali, president of Swift Engineering. "This innovative new generation of high-speed vertical take-off and landing (HSVTOL) aircraft will contribute significant capabilities for our national defense and other critical operations."

Swift Engineering said the goal of the program is to provide these aircraft with the ability to cruise at speeds from 400 to 450 knots at relevant altitudes and hover in austere environments from unprepared surfaces.

In Phase 1A and 1B, Bell completed conceptual and preliminary design efforts for the SPRINT X-plane. Phase 2 includes detailed design and build, culminating in a flight test during Phase 3.