X-29

The Grumman forward swept wing X-29 experimental aircraft was adapted from an existing F-5A airframe. Because of the inherent aerodynamic instability of the forward swept wing design (think of an arrow shot backwards) a computerized fly by wire control system was necessary. The advantage of this design as opposed to conventional back swept wings were higher lift-to-drag ratio, higher capacity in dogfight maneuvers, higher range at subsonic speed, improved stall resistance and anti-spin characteristics, improved stability at high angles of attack, a lower minimum flight speed and, a shorter take-off and landing distance but, all of this came with a price of inherent instability and much higher drag at near supersonic speeds. The forward swept wings, with movable canards, gave pilots excellent control response at up to 45 degrees angle of attack.
Because of the availability of F-5s and advances in low cost computer control systems Turkish Aerospace Industries has considered upgrading some existing TuAf F-5s with X-29 designs.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• x29
• forward
• swept
• wing

[lhx1502]

Everybody is fascinated with forward swept wings. :)

[TheFeral0ne]

@TheFeral0ne and yes... I meant 4 millimeters..

[TheFeral0ne]

so explain this for me.. When i was about 6 years old (1994) I looked up and saw a swept forward airplane... I did research and found that the x-29 was retired about a decade after it was introduced (1994). but all the info ive found on it has shown that it wasnt anywhere near where I live (pope airforce base NC). So... Did i see the x29 or something much different... It was a clear day and the plan looked about 4mm long from 800ft above sea level help me out with conversions. i want to knowlol

[Alestor10]

The X-29 is such a beautiful Jet :)

[SingularlyDatarific]

@oka171

The MiG-25 copying was a funny story, actually. We had pictures and we had intel, but for some reason or another they didn't match up. The Americans saw the photos of the MiG-25 but thought it was an air superiority fighter. Thus we created the F-15 to counter what was actually a Mach 3 intercepter designed to counter our Mach 3 bomber that we never got around to using. Although we copied the airframe's key characteristics, it ended up being the best fighter in 20 years.

[SingularlyDatarific]

@quintonhenwood

Strategic usefulness.

When you have an airbase 400 miles away from where weapons need delivery, it's much better to get air support there in 20 minutes than 40 minutes.

In a dogfight, it helps to have a good thrust to weight ratio, but supersonic capability isn't necessary anymore.

[quintonhenwood]

hmmm the harrier would kick all asses any day. remember no plane out runs a well placed air to air msl so why make faster planes then harrier?

[LoveMeLoveMyDog80]

@DailyStaley Actually the F-35 VTOL owes more to the Yak than the harrier. The main engine thrust vectoring and fixed angle lifting thrust behind the cockpit are obviously Yak inspired, though the technical implementation is totally different. As for SU-47 being an X-29 clone, the same applies, though to a lesser degree. SU-47 is a much heavier design all round, and is twin engined. But both are proof of similar concepts though, so will have some similarities. Form follows function.

[NZbobNZ]

but can it blend?



[Soothgiven]

Whats with the rag head music ??