NASA X31 | The Enhanced Fighter Maneuverability Demonstrator at Edwards AFB

Part of the NASA technology demonstrators, X-31 was designed to test thrust vectoring technology by using a delta wing, canards, and vectored thrust from the engine. Designed and built by Rockwell and Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm or MBB, The X-31 was part of a joint US and German project known as the Enhanced Fighter Maneuverability program or EFM. The goal of the EFM was to use thrust vectoring and an advanced flight control system to provide enhanced control authority in pitch and yaw, this resulted in significantly more maneuverability than most conventional fighters. A true international testbed aircraft, the X-31 operated out of Edwards AFB and was part of some NASA Dryden experiments. Let's take a look at the Specifications for the X-31: Specifications Length: 43 FT 4 IN ( M) Height: 14 ft 7 IN ( M) Wingspan: 23 FT 10 IN ( M) WingArea: 2,436 sq FT2 (226.3 M2) Maximum speed: 782 KN (1,449 KM/H, 900 MPH) Mach Empty weight: : 11,4