Several new technologies integrated on the X-29A advanced technology demonstrator are being evaluated for the next generation of fighter aircraft. Some of the most noteworthy ones are the forward-swept wing, digital fly-by-wire flight control system, close-coupled wing-canard configuration, aeroelastically tailored composite wing skins, three-surface pitch control configuration, and a highly unstable airframe. The expansion of the aircraft 1-g and maneuver flight envelopes was recently completed over a two-year period in 84 flights. Overall flight results confirmed the viability of the aircraft design, and good agreement with preflight predictions was obtained. The individual technologies' operational workability and performance were confirmed. This paper deals with the flight test results and the preliminary evaluation of the X-29A design and technologies. A summary of the primary technical findings in structural static loads, structural dynamic characteristics, flight control system characteristics, aerodynamic stability and control, and aerodynamic performance is presented.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Preliminary Flight Assessment of the X-29A Advanced Technology Demonstrator


    Contributors:
    J. W. Hicks (author) / N. W. Matheny (author)

    Publication date :

    1987


    Size :

    15 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English








    Advanced Technology Demonstrator

    Mansfield, J. / Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1996