Boeing X-40A
Boeing · United States · first flew 1998 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Boeing X-40A was an unpowered subscale technology demonstrator for reusable spaceplane concepts, air-launched from a helicopter to test the aerodynamics and autonomous landing systems that would be scaled up in the X-37. Its delta-wing lifting-body shape was designed to land on a conventional runway.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × rocket, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.7 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unmanned subscale spaceplane demonstrator with delta wing and no vertical tail
- Air-dropped from helicopter for unpowered glide testing
- Predecessor to the X-37 — same reusable spaceplane concept at smaller scale
The delta-wing lifting-body shape with a flat underside, canted rudders, and no conventional fuselage give the X-40A the unmistakeable appearance of a miniature space shuttle; the very short wingspan relative to body length is diagnostic.
Specifications
- The Boeing X-40A has a length of 6.7 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 3.66 m (12 ft).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The X-40A was developed as a risk-reduction vehicle for the US Air Force's Space Manoeuvre Vehicle (SMV) programme, which eventually evolved into the X-37. First dropped-tested in 1998, the X-40A demonstrated autonomous unpowered approaches and landings. Its success paved the way for Boeing's X-37A and the eventual USAF X-37B orbital test vehicle.
Variants
The X-40A was the sole demonstrator; the X-37A and operational X-37B were larger, air-launched and rocket-launched successors.
Where you'll see it
The X-40A was a pure technology demonstrator with no operational role; it served the USAF experimental programme that produced the X-37B.
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