X-29 - The Most Unstable Fighter Jet Ever Built
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- Опубліковано 23 лип 2020
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Grumman’s experimental aircraft X-29, with its forward-swept wings, appeared almost as if it should be flying backward. The unusual configuration sought to test new canard control surfaces and advanced materials to improve maneuverability response at a higher angle of attack. It was flown together by NASA and the Air Force as a testbed for joint interests. While promising and positively reviewed by test pilots, the aircraft’s new technologies made it one of the most aerodynamically unstable planes in the history of aviation. An incredibly complex system was needed to continually calibrate the controls to keep the X-29 in the air. Still, the promise of the potential new technologies was so enticing that even the Russians couldn’t help themselves from trying to replicate them…
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This is the perfect voice for selling some new, really, really strong coffee.
G.I.Joe still use them in their fight against Cobra.
I've been to the USAF Museum, and the most striking thing about this plane is just how
The lispiest narrator ever
Not the most relevant thing, but the X-29 is an absolutely gorgeous aircraft.
My grandmother worked for Grumman. She sent us the press packet for this plane before the press even got it. It's been my favorite plane ever since.
Fighters are supposed to be inherently unstable. That's why they're so maneuverable
If you put that on ×0.75 his talking speed will become normal and he will Sound a bit drunk. Win-win
The X-29 was simply a test bed that was never intended to be a service aircraft, hence why it carried the designation of "X", instead of the "XF" it would have carried if it had been intended for production. And why it was cobbled together from existing Airframes and components. It was designed to test a design concept as well as new materials and computer controls. The project met every test offered up and proved itself to be a credible design. In the end the project simply concluded; it was not cancelled. But the one thing it did reveal was the forward swept wing while incredibly maneuverable, increased the airframes radar signature by an order of magnitude making it easy to spot.
Trying to say a sentence in one breath:
"Hey Frank, we have a big problem... the guys put the wings on the prototype backwards, and all the VIP's are going to be here in 20 minutes to view it."
The X-29 is trying ok! She had a rough development cycle and is seeking professional help.
I believe this kind of design was “abandoned” because of the priorities shifting from maneuverability to stealth.
I remember the news coverage of the program... I was absolutely mesmerized by the design. It still holds a high place on my list of all-time favorite aircraft.
My dad worked on this project, when I was a kid. As I recall, he was delighted to be working on something so cutting edge.
1984 Gruman: Let's use triple-redundant computers & sensors for a 1-person jet
This shows the versatility of the F-5 and Su-27 airframes.
I believe I remember reading an article about these aircraft and the use of a dual engine indicator even though they only had one engine. They used that because it was handy. After several flights the indicator that monitored the engine stopped functioning. They then switched to the indicator for the second engine and placed black electrical tape over the non-functional side.
One of the most elegant jets ever, love that design. Turns in so sharp, what a cool machine.