X-31 EFM Vector
Summary
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇩🇪 Germany • 🇺🇸 United States |
| Manufacturer | Rockwell/MBB |
| First flight | 11 October 1990 |
| Year introduced | None |
| Number produced | 2 units |
Technical specifications
| Version: X-31 EFM Vector | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 pilot |
| Maximum speed | 1448 km/h (900 mph) |
| Wing area | 21.0 m² (226.3 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 7.3 m (23.8 ft) |
| Height | 4.4 m (14.6 ft) |
| Length | 13.2 m (43.3 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 12,192 m (40,000 ft) |
| Empty weight | 5,175 kg (11,409 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 7,303 kg (16,100 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 218.0 m/s (715.2 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 1 x turbofan General Electric F404-GE-400 delivering 4808 kgf each |
Current operating countries
All operators
Description
The X-31 Vector "Enhanced Fighter Maneuverability" was designed to study maneuverability in flight using thrust vectoring. The results of these tests will be utilized to improve the maneuverability of future fighters.
Three jet deflectors, made of epoxy and carbon, were mounted at the aircraft's exhaust to control its trajectory vertically and horizontally. Additionally, the X-31 was equipped with movable canards.
The X-31 program allowed for a better understanding of the aerodynamics of agile aircraft, the effectiveness of flight controls and thrust vectoring engines, as well as airflow phenomena at high angles of attack. Rockwell constructed the X-31's fuselage, while the German company MBB built the wings and jet deflectors.
Two units were produced, which completed 108 flights. The X-31 EFM program concluded in 1995.