Overview
The Rockwell-Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm X-31 is an experimental jet aircraft designed to test fighter thrust vectoring technology. It was designed and built by Rockwell and Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB), as part of a joint United States and German Enhanced Fighter Maneuverability program to provide additional control authority in pitch and yaw, for significantly more maneuverability than most conventional fighters. An advanced flight control system provided controlled flight at high angles of attack where conventional aircraft would stall or lose control. Two aircraft were built, of which one has survived.
Specifications
Dimensions
| Length | 12.21 m |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 7.26 m |
| Height | 4.44 m |
Figures are compiled from public sources and may be approximate; they can vary by variant and configuration.
Photos
Photo 1: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Maj. Cody Allee / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Some text and images come from Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA licences. Source
