Rockwell-MBB X-31

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Rockwell-MBB X-31
Description
Role	Enhanced Fighter Maneuverability demonstrator
Crew	1
First Flight
Entered Service
Manufacturer	Rockwell and MBB
Dimensions
Length	44 ft 4 in	13.2 m
Wingspan	23 ft 10 in	7.3 m
Height	ft in	m
Wing area	ft²	m²
Weights
Empty	lb	kg
Loaded	lb	kg
Maximum takeoff	lb	kg
Powerplant
Engines	General Electric F404-GE-400 turbofan
Thrust	16,000 lbf	71.4 kN
Performance
Maximum speed	850 mph	1,360 km/h
Service ceiling	ft	m
Rate of climb	ft/min	m/min
Wing loading	lb/ft²	kg/m²
Thrust/Weight
Avionics
Avionics

The Rockwell-MBB X-31 Enhanced Fighter Maneuverability demonstrator was designed to test the value of using thrust vectoring coupled with an advanced flight control system to provide controlled flight to very high angles of attack. The result was a significant advantage over most conventional fighters in close-in combat situations.

Two X-31s were built, and over 500 test flights were carried out between 1990 and 1995.

During flight testing, the X-31 aircraft established several milestones. On November 6, 1992, the X-31 achieved controlled flight at a 70-degree angle of attack. On April 29, 1993, the second X-31 successfully executed a rapid minimum-radius, 180-degree turn using a post-stall maneuver, flying well beyond the aerodynamic limits of any conventional aircraft. This revolutionary maneuver has been called the "Herbst Maneuver" after Wolfgang Herbst, a German proponent of using post-stall flight in air-to-air combat.

Serial numbers

• BuNo 164584, 67 flights
• BuNo 164585, 292 flights

External link

• NASA Dryden: X-31

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