| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | 164585 |
| Military Code: | SD-031 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Rockwell-MBB X-31 |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | Rockwell-MBB X-31 |
| Aircraft Version: | Rockwell-MBB X-31A |
| C/n (msn): | 2 |
| Operator Titles: | USA - Navy |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | OberschleißheimMap |
| Country: | Germany |
| Airport Codes: | ICAO: EDNX IATA: - Local: - Other: - |
| Collection: | Deutsches Museum - Flugwerft Schleissheim |
| Photo Date: | 26 January 2020 |
| Photo by: | Alastair T. Gardiner |
| Photo ID: | 209062 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
The X-31 program tried to improve the manoeuvrability of fighter planes through thrust vectoring, which is performed by three thrust-deflecting "paddles" behind the engine controlled automatically by the digital flight control system. This permits tactical manoeuvres at a 70-degree angle of attack, far beyond the stall angle of conventional aircraft. In total more than 400 flying hours were logged between 1990-1995 and 2001-2003 at Edwards AFB, CA, and NAS Patuxent River. This second and last testbed is now on display at the Deutsches Museum - Flugwerft Schleissheim. This photo is copyright © Alastair T. Gardiner, and may not be used or published in any way without permission. It was added on 29 January 2020, and has since been viewed 324 times. |