The objective of the X-31 program (the first international US/German experimental program) was to develop a new fighter that can execute tactical maneuvers up to an angle of attack (AOA) of 70 degrees (which is far beyond the stall AOA) without the pilot losing control of the aircraft (poststall capability, PST). This capability extends aircraft performance with respect to deceleration capability, turn rate and radius, and pointing capability for weapon firing considerably and results in a distinctive improvement of the tactical advantages in close-in combat. The prerequisite for these capabilities is the use of thrust vector control to boost or even replace the aerodynamic controls which lose their effectiveness at low speeds and in the poststall regime. The technical development of the PST capability requires the application of new technologies in the areas of aerodynamics (separated vortex flow), propulsion (inlet aerodynamics and jet deflection) and in particular, flight control (unstable configurations, digital flight control systems, integrated thrust vector control). Flight test results of the X-31 showed that the four important basic maneuvers (safe flight and maneuvering at 70 deg. AOA, 360 deg. rolls about the velocity at 70 deg. AOA, poststall maneuvers at high load factors, and the 180 deg. J (or Herbst) turn with extremely small turn radii and high turn rates) have been successfully demonstrated. In Nov./Dec. 1993 the flight envelope was extended into the supersonic and flights with a helmet mounted display (HMD) were conducted. This paper gives an overview of the X-31 program and the results of the test flights.
X-31: A Program Overview and Flight Test Status
1995
7 pages
Report
No indication
English
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