The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has officially revealed its latest experimental aircraft, the X-76, under the Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) program. 

In a press release, DARPA said the X-76 is now being constructed by Bell Textron, Inc. following a successful Critical Design Review.

Introducing our latest X-Plane, the X-76! ⚡

Part of a joint effort with @USSOCOM on the SPRINT program, this experimental aircraft is being built by @BellFlight to demonstrate runway-independent, high-speed flight. pic.twitter.com/hBnDzjcHAO

— DARPA (@DARPA) March 9, 2026

According to DARPA, the aircraft will deliver the speed of a jet while taking off and landing vertically, like a helicopter, without needing a runway. 

“For too long, the runway has been both an advantage and a limitation — it provides speed but creates critical vulnerability,” said DARPA SPRINT program manager U.S. Navy Commander Ian Higgins.

DARPA said the X-76 must achieve a cruising speed of over 740 km/h (about 400 knots), hover in difficult field conditions, and operate from unprepared surfaces.

Following assembly and ground testing, flight tests are scheduled to begin in early 2028.

The SPRINT program is seen as a potential path toward a new generation of convertiplanes, which could eventually replace aging platforms such as the V-22 Osprey, which has faced ongoing safety concerns.