X-53 Active Aeroelastic Wing
Boeing / NASA / US Air Force · United States · first flew 2002 · fighter
The X-53 Active Aeroelastic Wing was a NASA/Air Force Research Laboratory research programme using a modified F/A-18A to demonstrate that intentional wing flexing (aeroelastic twist) could replace conventional ailerons for roll control at high speeds. The designation X-53 was assigned retrospectively in 2002.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 17.07 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Modified F/A-18A used to demonstrate wing twist for roll control
- Leading-edge flaps reprogrammed as aeroelastic actuators
- NASA Dryden / Air Force Research Laboratory programme
Externally almost identical to a standard F/A-18A Hornet; the AAW modification is internal and not visible from outside the aircraft.
Specifications
- The X-53 Active Aeroelastic Wing has a length of 17.07 m (56 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.71 m (38 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1912 km/h (1188 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) programme ran from 1996 to 2005, reprogramming the leading-edge flaps of a specially weakened F/A-18A wing to deliberately twist the structure for roll authority. This offered potential structural weight savings for future aircraft. The concept drew on biomimetic inspiration from how birds warp their wings to turn.
Variants
A single modified F/A-18A was used; no other X-53 airframes were built.
Where you'll see it
Research use only at NASA Dryden (now Armstrong) Flight Research Center; not an operational type.
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