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The X-29 - a Unique and Innovative Aerodynamic Concept
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English
Abstract
Grumman Corporation, under a contract sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and monitored by the United States Air Force, has designed, fabricated, and is jointly flight testing the X-29 Advanced Technology Demonstrator with NASA. The X-29 was conceived to demonstrate in-flight the potential advantages of several advanced and innovative technologies integrated into one vehicle design. These advanced technologies include:
- A forward-swept wing (FSW) employing a thin supercritical airfoil
- Aeroelastically-tailored composite wing covers to control divergence
- A close-coupled, variable-incidence canard
- Variable wing camber
- Three-surface trim configuration.
An aerodynamic overview of the configuration development and integration of these technologies is presented. Wind tunnel results and flight test results, where available, are also presented to substantiate the advantages of these innovative concepts.
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Authors
Citation
Frei, D. and Moore, M., "The X-29 - a Unique and Innovative Aerodynamic Concept," SAE Technical Paper 851771, 1985, https://doi.org/10.4271/851771.Also In
References
- Uhad, G.C. Weeks, T.M. Large, R. “Wind Tunnel Investigation of the Transonic Aerodynamic Characteristics of Forward Swept Wings,” Journal of Aircraft 20 3 195 202 March 1983
- Krone, N.J. Jr. “Divergence Elimination with Advanced Composites,” AIAA Paper 75-1009 August 1975
- Grafton, S.B. Gilbert, W.P. Croom, M.A. Murri, D.G. “High-Angle-of-Attack Characteristics of a Forward-Swept Wing Fighter Configuration,” AIAA Paper 82-1322 presented at the AIAA 9th Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Conference San Diego, California August 1982
- Moore, M. Frei, D. “X-29 Forward Swept Wing Aerodynamic Overview,” AIAA Paper 83-1834 presented at the AIAA Applied Aerodynamics Conference Danvers, Massachusetts July 1983
- Spacht, G. “The Forward Swept Wing: a Unique Design Challenge,” AIAA Paper 80-1885 presented at the AIAA Aircraft Systems Meeting Anaheim, California August 1980