Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

After Bell Textron completed the critical design review of the DARPA Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) aircraft, work has begun on the flight demonstrator, now designated the X-76.
Bell was downselected for the second phase of the SPRINT program in July 2025, which entails detailed design, build, and ground testing. Phase 1A and B involved conceptual and preliminary design. After building the first aircraft, flight testing is slated for the third phase of the program.
SPRINT is funded by DARPA and the U.S. Special Operations Command and requires an aircraft capable of flying at 400 to 450 knots and hovering in austere environments with unprepared surfaces.
“Bell is honored to receive the X-76 designation and continue the spirit of American innovation, honoring the founding of the United States in 1776,” said Jason Hurst, Bell senior v-p of engineering. “This is an important milestone as the Bell and DARPA team advances to a historic first in aviation history and fulfills our mission of developing next-generation vertical-lift aircraft.”

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

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After Bell Textron completed the critical design review of the DARPA Sprint aircraft, work has begun on the demonstrator aircraft, now designated as the X-76.

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