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Specifications
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Primary Function:
Crew: Engine: Thrust: Length: Wingspan: Weight Empty: Max. Weight: Cruise Speed: Max. Speed: Climb Rate: Ceiling: Endurance: First Flight: |
experimental
one GE F404 1- 16,000 lbs. 48 ft. 1 in. 27 ft. 1 in. 13,800 17,800 lbs. 460 mph 1,200 mph 34,500 fpm est. 55,000 feet 1 hour 12/14/84 |
Grumman X-29
On December 13, 1985, the Grumman X-29 became the first supersonic forward swept wing (FSW) aircraft.
There were two built using F-5 airframes. The test program continued for almost ten years.
The Grumman X-29 design exhibited decreased turbulence over conventional jet fighter designs and generally excellent maneuverability.
The forward swept wing configuration of the experimental aircraft made it inherently unstable. It relied on computerized flight controls for constant flight corrections.
The flight control system was made up of six redundant computers, three analog and three digital. It was estimated that a total systems failure was as likely as a mechanical failure in other aircraft.
Grumman X-29 aircraft flew a total of 242 times beginning in 1984 through 1991 when the program ended. The program was concluded as successful in that it helped pave the way for more advanced aircraft technology.
The Grumman X-29 is currently on display at the National Museum of the U. S. Air Force located at Wright Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio.
RC Grumman X-29
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