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 (13.21 M)
Height: 14 ft 7 IN (4.44 M)
Wingspan: 23 FT 10 IN (7.26 M)
WingArea: 2,436 sq FT2 (226.3 M2)
Maximum speed: 782 KN (1,449 KM/H, 900 MPH)
Mach 1.28
Empty weight: : 11,409 lb (5,175 kg)
Loaded weight:
Max. takeoff weight: 35,131 LB (15,935 KG)
Engine Thrust Class
GENERAL ELECTRIC F404-GE-400 turbofan engine, 71 KN (16,000 LBF) THRUST
Link to the F-15 ACTIVE video: • NASA's 837: The Ultima...
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Credits/Attributions:
"The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."
NASA footage and images courtesy of
images.nasa.gov/
Photography Credits:
X31 on display at museum photo:
Vestman from Helsinki, Finland / CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Saab Viggen Photo:
Alan Wilson / CC BY-SA (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Dassault Rafale Photo:
Tim Felce (Airwolfhound) / CC BY-SA (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Music from filmmusic.io "Hiding Your Reality" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
This video is an opinion editorial commentary.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use purposes such as criticism, commentary, parody, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.
All works used in this video (Images, audio etc) belong to their respective authors
(This does not include the audio commentary or licensed BGM). avgeek

Пікірлер: 561

  • @PilotPhotog
    @PilotPhotog3 жыл бұрын

    Correction on the wing area: It should be 226.3 square feet and 21 square meters. Thanks to everyone who pointed this out!

  • @Horace1993

    @Horace1993

    3 жыл бұрын

    There are multiple sources online with this mistake!

  • @MrNickelbrille

    @MrNickelbrille

    3 жыл бұрын

    Ooops ,I was a bit tooo fast ;-)

  • @swunt10

    @swunt10

    3 жыл бұрын

    somehow he forgot to mention the most important part. MBB came up with the TKF-90 concept which later developed into the eurofighter and is also the reason why the rafale and gripen look so similar. MBB tested their instability idea on the F-104G CCV experimental aircraft and then wanted to combine fly by wire instability with delta wings and canards for the TKF-90 concept with trust vectoring. that resulted in the x-31. it's also the reason why the eurofighter is capable of receiving trust vercoring if ever someone would order it as an upgrade.

  • @nguyenthang-zz8dm

    @nguyenthang-zz8dm

    2 жыл бұрын

    Công nghệ hàng của USA quá đỉnh

  • @donalddouglas5661
    @donalddouglas56613 жыл бұрын

    Please show the F-18 Harve video!

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Working on it and thanks for commenting!

  • @HyperSonica

    @HyperSonica

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@PilotPhotog

  • @lawleokatsushika4621

    @lawleokatsushika4621

    3 жыл бұрын

    +1

  • @dahawk8574

    @dahawk8574

    3 жыл бұрын

    ​@@PilotPhotog, no love for the MATV? All three programs flew at the same time, and even made the cover of AvWeek with the 3 flying in formation. A glorious time to be a test pilot at Edwards. If only one video were to be made, my pick would be the F-16. It was by far the most elegant implementation. No hideous primitive paddles. Glorious. www.reddit.com/r/WeirdWings/comments/6g9c3w/three_thrust_vectoring_aircraft_in_formation/

  • @tj_2701

    @tj_2701

    3 жыл бұрын

    👍

  • @gideonunger7284
    @gideonunger72843 жыл бұрын

    Saw this plane next to the eurofighter in schleißheim in munich. Its suprisingly small in person. also great series

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    It must be very impressive in person and yes it is small - you can get an idea during the footage with the F-18. Thanks for commenting and more videos on the way!

  • @seventeenfive4635

    @seventeenfive4635

    3 жыл бұрын

    Saw it there too and had no clue what it was haha! I came to the museum to see the eurofighter after missing a show for one and it's not until now that I realized what this plane was. The video doesn't do it justice as to how small it was.

  • @bjmccann1
    @bjmccann13 жыл бұрын

    I first learned about this plane while playing Jane's ATF: Advanced Tactical Fighters back in 1996.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    I remember those games...thanks for commenting!

  • @adamjohnson4821

    @adamjohnson4821

    3 жыл бұрын

    That game was amazing. And that fighter with a flight control set up that fighter was a beast. I usually put a pair of gun pods on it and flew literal circles around the AI.

  • @tj_2701

    @tj_2701

    3 жыл бұрын

    I remember Jane's

  • @bjmccann1

    @bjmccann1

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@adamjohnson4821 Yup. It was like flying a UFO!

  • @bjmccann1

    @bjmccann1

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Krangba LOL!

  • @xnomdfrost1938
    @xnomdfrost19383 жыл бұрын

    Every Ace Combat pilots that hears this jet could do post stall: Ight, imma gonna fly backwards while flipping around

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    do it!

  • @TheblueTraxxasRustler

    @TheblueTraxxasRustler

    3 жыл бұрын

    I’m still trying to figure it out

  • @dartmaster501

    @dartmaster501

    3 жыл бұрын

    The X-31 used a maneuver much more effect than the cobra.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    2 жыл бұрын

    @Lord Sidious indeed! Here you go: kzread.info/dash/bejne/a5uf3NeTo6TTd8Y.html

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    2 жыл бұрын

    @Lord Sidious Thanks and likewise. I’ve thought about doing a Macross “parody” video but as of now have no timeline for one.

  • @IlluminatorMTfan
    @IlluminatorMTfan3 жыл бұрын

    Amazing video of the X-31. And not only would I love to see one of the F-18 HARV, but also a video on the F-16 VISTA.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you and I should have mentioned the VISTA as well...will do and thanks for commenting!

  • @IlluminatorMTfan

    @IlluminatorMTfan

    3 жыл бұрын

    NP! I subbed btw!

  • @davidgpeterson
    @davidgpeterson3 жыл бұрын

    I remember seeing news clips of the X-31 back in the 90s. I saw it do a max performance turn with thrust vectoring and damn near fell out of my chair. Nothing at the time could do what that little plane could do.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    That must have been an amazing sight and thanks for sharing!

  • @davidgpeterson

    @davidgpeterson

    3 жыл бұрын

    PilotPhotog it was. I appreciate this video because it talks about the J Turn and mentions it in context with the Cobra maneuver. Helps explain why the USAF chose to just go with bi-variate vectoring instead of multi-variate vectoring like the Soviets did.

  • @techgamer6875
    @techgamer68753 жыл бұрын

    Nobody: Ace Combat fans after hearing post-stall: :)

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    This. AC for the win. Thanks for commenting!

  • @travisbishop782

    @travisbishop782

    3 жыл бұрын

    Sadly, this plane was never in an Ace Combat game, that i know of. I know the X-29 was in a few.

  • @Gaz_511

    @Gaz_511

    3 жыл бұрын

    I know its just a video game and not a flight sim, but Ace combat is an affront to the physics of flight!

  • @DonVigaDeFierro

    @DonVigaDeFierro

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Gaz_511 Hahaha. Post stall maneuvers go FWOOOOSH.

  • @InsideJobUSSS

    @InsideJobUSSS

    3 жыл бұрын

    Did you hear Daredevil in your head while watching this?

  • @DarthEarp
    @DarthEarp3 жыл бұрын

    Love the channel. keep it up I for one would like to see a video on the f-18 HARV.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the comment and being a long time subscriber, I am definitely going to do a video on the HARV

  • @hedgehog3180
    @hedgehog31803 жыл бұрын

    I know everyone is talking about Ace Combat but my first thought was Planetside 2 and the ridicules meta that developed around every plane being a VTOL capable of stall fighting. It took a couple of months but once people realized that they had no reason to keep fighting like normal planes a whole new meta emerged around doing ridiculous maneuvers with the rotating engines and dogfights became a thing where you weren't trying to get on someone's six but rather trying to get above or below the line of their gun while you were facing them. And the devs embraced this style of combat really quickly and started supporting it with weapons designed specifically for it. It kinda ended up with something more similar to mecha fights from anime rather than your classic dogfights and some of the people who got really good at it could earn server and even game wide fame.

  • @thegloriousretardmagnet4257
    @thegloriousretardmagnet42573 жыл бұрын

    that thing is super cool. I even saw the original about a month ago in an aviation museum near Munich, Germany. pretty awesome place. Flugwerft Schleisheim was the name. They also had an actual Eurofighter Typhoon, Panavia Tornado and Me-262-1a there

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    I’d love to visit that museum - thanks for commenting!

  • @appa609
    @appa6093 жыл бұрын

    I love this channel because even as someone who's known about these planes all my life, you show us amazing pictures and videos I'd never be able to find myself.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you I am glad you enjoy the videos...more to come!

  • @warbuzzard7167
    @warbuzzard71673 жыл бұрын

    Another stellar piece from the great Pilot Photog! Honestly your series has given this armchair aviator a lot of joy over the last few days. You are AWESOME!

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much! I try to get a little better with each video so stay tuned!

  • @Kantholz96
    @Kantholz963 жыл бұрын

    F18 HARV ? Yes please ! Great Video as always. Keep the great work up :D

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Will do and thanks for commenting!

  • @lucianofaia3958
    @lucianofaia39582 жыл бұрын

    Geez, feelin really old! As a 39y italian guy, i remember when as a kid i was passionate about airplanes, and the only things i saw adout the x31 was some pictures on the specialized magazine i used to buy. Well, now i'm really enjoing theese videos! Thx for uploading

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you and thanks for commenting! I'm working on many more interesting aircraft, stay tuned!

  • @Troubleshooter125
    @Troubleshooter1253 жыл бұрын

    I hadn't even heard about the F-18 HARVE aircraft until you mentioned it here. Absolutely make that video. Also, thanks for THIS vid on the X-31, a most remarkable and impactful aircraft!

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks and glad you learned from the video. The HARV video is in the works.

  • @maxhaines3794
    @maxhaines37943 жыл бұрын

    Waited for ur next Video. Happy that I can watch it now before I go to bed. As always very interesting and high quality👌😍

  • @susanartigas7498
    @susanartigas74983 жыл бұрын

    Love your channel. Can not wait for the next video. Thank you!

  • @billwilson4353
    @billwilson43533 жыл бұрын

    I worked fire/crash at teddy's for 30 years, privileged to watch this on a daily basis

  • @waltleinhauser7111
    @waltleinhauser71113 жыл бұрын

    Definitely enjoyed, throw in all the flight footage you can.

  • @amramjose
    @amramjose3 жыл бұрын

    Very cool; I saw this plane at the Air Museum in Munich in Dec 2016, and knew nothing about it. Very informative.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you glad you were able to learn from the video. It must be an impressive sight in person!

  • @jernejfunkl8300
    @jernejfunkl83003 жыл бұрын

    X-31 was very beautiful designed airplane with unbelievable maneuverability. I like it!

  • @donniedarko2036
    @donniedarko20363 жыл бұрын

    I can't wait for the F-106 video! Definitely the pinnacle of the century series...so fast! And how little structurally was changed from the 102 vs the dramatic results achieved, is a testament to how solid the initial design really was.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    The F-106 has been called a pure interceptor and was/is a great looking aircraft. I’m doing research and gathering footage to make that video. Stay tuned!

  • @rachanathaker6731
    @rachanathaker67313 жыл бұрын

    Superb video get to know something new every time I watch your videos keep up the good job

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Very happy to hear that and thanks for commenting along with your continued subscription!

  • @Pwj579
    @Pwj5793 жыл бұрын

    Great video! Always loved the X-31. Still remember playing Jane’s Fighters Anthology and taking down multiple X-31s. With the hundreds of playable aircraft, still found myself always selecting the F-14D

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it and those Jane’s sims were awesome for their time.

  • @pottierkurt1702
    @pottierkurt17023 жыл бұрын

    Another 2k subscribers !! Congrats dude. And the last 2 minutes of the video were really eye opening. Even I didn't know that.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you and I am honored that I was able to impart new knowledge to you.

  • @pottierkurt1702

    @pottierkurt1702

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@PilotPhotog are you gonna be able to add a join button 2 your KZread anytime soon ?

  • @jonniiinferno9098
    @jonniiinferno90983 жыл бұрын

    saw this video recommended and had to check the calendar to see if it was my birthday - nope - but it may as well have been !!! Of course we all want to see the video for the F-18 Harve !! Thanks !!!

  • @MeMyselfI_69
    @MeMyselfI_693 жыл бұрын

    I though I have heard of every plane not sure how I missed the X31. Great content you got yourself a new sub!

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Awesome, thank you!

  • @SahanModelbuilding
    @SahanModelbuilding3 жыл бұрын

    Great video, I didn’t know that nasa‘s research is now used in so many fighter aircraft. Very interesting as always

  • @nikheelmangang7710

    @nikheelmangang7710

    3 жыл бұрын

    Find out more about NASA's X-Planes. There's also a great movie about them - 'The Right Stuff', check it out, I'm sure you'll love it.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    The Right Stuff is a great book and an even better audio book. Thanks for commenting!

  • @SahanModelbuilding

    @SahanModelbuilding

    3 жыл бұрын

    Nikheel Mangang & PilotPhotog Thanks for the advice

  • @MrGivmedew

    @MrGivmedew

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@PilotPhotog ooooohhhh I love me some audiobooks I'm glad you mentioned this. I listen to at least 50 books a year.

  • @itdepends8103
    @itdepends81033 жыл бұрын

    I was waiting for this

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hoped you enjoyed it...you wouldn't happen to know a guy that goes by the callsign Red 5 would you? :)

  • @sikrandall83
    @sikrandall833 жыл бұрын

    The x31 was one of the all time prettiest jets out there in my humble opinion. Learned a lot from it and looked good doing so. Also definitely a video on the thrust vectoring f18

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Will do and thanks for the comment!

  • @sikrandall83

    @sikrandall83

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@PilotPhotog thanks for the awesome content my friend. I think I speak for a lot of us watching

  • @andrisxyz2417
    @andrisxyz24173 жыл бұрын

    Another awesome entertaining and informative video! Can't wait your next video about a NASA X-plane.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you and glad you enjoyed it!

  • @teddy.d174
    @teddy.d1743 жыл бұрын

    Dude you’re killing it with these videos, excellent content! I remember seeing footage of this aircraft for the first time about ten years ago, the maneuverability is astonishing. Would love to see the F-18 Harve...👍🏻👍🏻

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you and I just finished recording the audio, will start on video edits tomorrow for the HARV...it is an amazing aircraft with an interesting origin story. Thanks for commenting.

  • @brianhartman5845
    @brianhartman58453 жыл бұрын

    In 2003, when the US Navy was finished with it, I was fortunate enough to be part of the crew that took the X-31 from NAS Patuxent River, MD to its current resting place in the Deutsches Flugwerft Schleissheim. One wing was removed to fit the aircraft inside a C-5 Galaxy for a late night flight to Munich and we then removed the other wing in Munich so we could load the fuselage on a lowboy flat bed truck. Both wings rode on the back of the truck in a crate... it was an odd sight seeing it roll down the autobahn. Everyone that played a part in that last project, or the final trip of the X-31 wrote their names on the aircraft... some on the nose landing gear door and some on the aft bulkhead where the thrust vectoring panels mount.

  • @internalport8776
    @internalport87763 жыл бұрын

    Another banger video! Keep it up ☺️

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you much appreciated!

  • @luvlife2786
    @luvlife27863 жыл бұрын

    So much info, so little time. Love the video.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you glad you enjoyed it!

  • @theweirdestfamily
    @theweirdestfamily3 жыл бұрын

    Awesome videos due the fr16 and f15 videos were amazing 👏 keep them up pleasssseee..

  • @CallanBaird
    @CallanBaird3 жыл бұрын

    I watched your F-18 HARV video recently too, it was great as well.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, I am working on more experimental aircraft videos so stay tuned!

  • @FloridaManMatty
    @FloridaManMatty3 жыл бұрын

    I would LOVE to see your take on the Boeing Bird of Prey. Having seen it on display in person, the idea that it was even air worthy is astounding. Another awesome topic - Tacit Blue! It’s also on display at Wright Patterson in Dayton. THAT program has an incredible legacy that is still alive and well in cutting edge programs today. You can definitely see that plane’s lineage in the B-2, YF-23, and many other Northrop programs, particularly their LO UAV’s. If you’re ever at a loss for what to do next, Tacit Blue is as good as aviation discussions can get! Your videos are getting better and better. Thank you very much for all of your efforts to bring these programs and aviation history to broader awareness. Solid work, brother!

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Matthew thank you so much and I appreciate your comment and suggestion. I will see what I can dig up on the the Bird of Prey and Tacit Blue, great ideas!

  • @DragonJ-ui9gg
    @DragonJ-ui9gg3 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely would love to see the f-18 video that would be great. Always willing to learn more on any aircraft you highlight in your videos.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you and working on it now!

  • @DragonJ-ui9gg

    @DragonJ-ui9gg

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @rsoul7282
    @rsoul72823 жыл бұрын

    Seems like it is capable of more unpredictable manoeuvres than the crooked paper planes my kids make, nice video sir 👍

  • @RickSolid1
    @RickSolid13 жыл бұрын

    This was awesome! Every time I see thrust vectoring it looks insane. I also really enjoy these prototype/Demo planes, it’s fascinating knowing where all the modern tech comes from. NASA has some seriously crazy pilots, I’m in awe of their skill and dedication.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you and I’m working on the video about the NASA F-18 with thirst vectoring. Stay tuned!

  • @RickSolid1

    @RickSolid1

    3 жыл бұрын

    PilotPhotog I’ve been working thru your previous videos, soooo much I don’t know. I really like your current format, no drama, or filler BS, just high quality info. straight forward detailed info, great B-Roll of the planes too.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Rick Solid thank you I really appreciate that. My videos are as long as they need to be and not a minute longer. Let me know want you think about the HARV video that comes out 0900 CST Monday.

  • @Y13A
    @Y13A3 жыл бұрын

    Eagerly awaiting your video on the F-18 HARV!

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for commenting and it is in the works!

  • @psycopaintball22
    @psycopaintball223 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video! And yes I would love to see one on the f-18 HARV!

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Will do and thanks for commenting!

  • @tomaskling2429
    @tomaskling24293 жыл бұрын

    Cool to see reference to the J35 Draken, a plane made in the 50s.

  • @MeanLaQueefa
    @MeanLaQueefa3 жыл бұрын

    Looks like the thrust vectoring the Mitsubishi X2 is using. Love the channel

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Agreed and thanks for commenting

  • @Viperboeing757
    @Viperboeing7573 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video !

  • @bdh985
    @bdh9853 жыл бұрын

    My only criticisms of this video are that i wanted more and I can't like it multiple times!! 🤣😂 Great video as always, keep up the good work!

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you that is one of the best comments I can get...thanks for commenting and your continued support!

  • @patriciosilvarobalino9832

    @patriciosilvarobalino9832

    3 жыл бұрын

    Un fact this is

  • @olengagallardo8551
    @olengagallardo85513 жыл бұрын

    An excellent "Frankenstein" creation! Joking aside as an aircraft enthusiast and former pilot (single engine) i love your vids. They are informative and entertaining,i just hope you make em longer next time,yeah a feature on the F18 harve would be nice.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Once a pilot always a pilot, I too flew single engine. Thanks for the comment and I will work on making a longer video next time...working on the HARV video now.

  • @olengagallardo8551

    @olengagallardo8551

    3 жыл бұрын

    💯👍

  • @georgepbriles696
    @georgepbriles696 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent video and footages! Yeah that thing was really something else! Needed higher top speed which probably mainly boils down to a slightly redesigned and adjustable engine inlet.

  • @richardmeras5272
    @richardmeras52723 жыл бұрын

    That j-turn that's awesome

  • @timbaskett6299
    @timbaskett6299 Жыл бұрын

    The X-31 is one of my all time favorite X planes. My favorite part is the fact that it relies less on airfoil lift, and more on thrust vectoring and flight control systems.

  • @charlesmullenax4448
    @charlesmullenax44483 жыл бұрын

    F18 HARV and the YF23 for my vote. Excellent video

  • @lencac7952
    @lencac79523 жыл бұрын

    Of course we want to see your video on the F-18R!

  • @Thousand_yard_King
    @Thousand_yard_King3 жыл бұрын

    I watched them fly this in the AV in the early 90's, it was so thrilling to watch it fly, a true pilots aircraft, so when you want to go out and fly and enjoy the flight rather than flying point A to B and B to c. Thank you NAA Rockwell for all the amazing machines that you built. It's such a shame that the government but you out of business

  • @andreasleonardo6793
    @andreasleonardo67933 жыл бұрын

    Too nice video with clear explaining of X-31 aircraft characters...partner projects between USA & Germany...which taken care to superiority of manniovirity too nice video enjoyment & interesting video

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks a ton

  • @patriciosilvarobalino9832
    @patriciosilvarobalino98323 жыл бұрын

    Great vídeo and info, thanks a lot

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @somerandomguy9942
    @somerandomguy99423 жыл бұрын

    Way back over 20 yrs ago I had Jane's Fighter Anthology and this was my favorite jet for obvious reasons...

  • @syjiang

    @syjiang

    3 жыл бұрын

    The gold covered manual still sits on my bookshelf.

  • @philippebenz2643
    @philippebenz26433 жыл бұрын

    I think it's maneuvers are better than the SU-57. I thoroughly enjoyed this. Your narration was very engaging. I like your style. My subscription is worth it.

  • @dandrechsler6884
    @dandrechsler68843 жыл бұрын

    I actually got to fly the simulator. When I worked for Rockwell in Downey. Pretty cool

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    That must have been awesome! Thanks for commenting and sharing

  • @Peter_Morris
    @Peter_Morris3 жыл бұрын

    I think it was lesser known. I was in high school at the time and was a huge jet fighter junkie. I knew about the X-29, the X-30 Hypersonic demonstrator, and even that ugly X-32. I just assumed the X-31 was either classified or failed because I never saw anything about it until years later. It’s such a beautiful aircraft, though. It and the Hi-MAT are two aircraft that you just don’t see enough about. I wish there was more footage of both.

  • @RANDOMNATION907
    @RANDOMNATION9073 жыл бұрын

    I subed in anticipation of the 'upcoming' F-18 harv video. This is the second video of yours that I've watched. The first was on aircraft 837.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you and much appreciated! Working on the HARV video now. If you haven’t yet you may also enjoy the F-16XL video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/aKBnq9qaj7rTg8o.html

  • @dadbrad852
    @dadbrad8523 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic video and production effort! Congrats! If I could change one thing for future videos it would be to ease way back on the linear flickering 'snow' effect that looks like a cheap single head VCR that can't track tapes anymore. It might be more distracting than you think and really takes away from the skilled planning and prep it takes to make a video of this quality! Cheers!

  • @SurfnTurfdfl
    @SurfnTurfdfl3 жыл бұрын

    I remember watching this plane flying out at Edwards, my father worked for Rockwell on this program after the B-1B then went to special instrumentation at Edwards at the test pilot school. Have many photos of planes being tested out there.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    That must have been an amazing time...tell your father thank you for his contributions to these amazing programs.

  • @SurfnTurfdfl

    @SurfnTurfdfl

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@PilotPhotog will do, I myself had the chance of working out at Plant 42 for some time and was there during the JSF competition, was beautiful watching the now F-35B do it's testing of it's vertical capabilities out at Lockheed's site.....Ah the memories..... 😊😊😊😊

  • @aussiefan354
    @aussiefan3543 жыл бұрын

    @PilotPhotog Thanks mate for an excellent video. I am amazed at how way ahead of their time some of the planes from the Cold War Era were!! They were faster than the planes we go today! I am wondering whether some of these designs should be re-visited today, with the stealth and other advances we have today might make a great plane

  • @ralfhtg1056
    @ralfhtg10563 жыл бұрын

    Concerning the technical data: thank you for giving the numbers not only in the imperial measures but in metric measures as well. Thumbs up alone for this. And the wings of the X-31 strongly remind me on the soviet Sukhoi Su-15 "Flagon"

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you I try to always provide both and when the host nation is not the US I lead with metric units as I did with the Gripen video...if you haven't seen it you can watch it here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/oI18rJqLh6aqgso.html

  • @CallanBaird
    @CallanBaird3 жыл бұрын

    @PilotPhotog, you’re doing good stuff. Keep it up.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Much appreciated!

  • @juanarce6900
    @juanarce69003 жыл бұрын

    It could had become a fighter all on its own, it gave a lot of valuable data for all the current projects worldwide!! Great piece of film Juan, thanks!👍

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Can you imagine? And thanks as always Juan!

  • @KernowekTim

    @KernowekTim

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yep, it could. It was certainly the 'Dad, Mum, Pappy, Grandma' of an awful lot of brilliant fighters to follow it's legacy.

  • @namja01

    @namja01

    3 жыл бұрын

    Not really. The payload capacity, range, and speed were too low. It lacked the combat, communication and navigation avionics and sensors. Likewise it lacked an internal gun or any provisions for external stores (weapons/fuel tank pylons). Addressing all of that would basically be designing a whole new aircraft. But this aircraft and it's research is still important nonetheless.

  • @KernowekTim

    @KernowekTim

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@namja01 Always with the negative waves Moriarty!.. It was a X Plane/ Test Plane. However, it did have the propensity to be equip with all the accoutrements to make it combat worthy. .'They' trialled the 'Bird' with weapons payload before settling on HASR as it's sole role.

  • @FloridaManMatty
    @FloridaManMatty Жыл бұрын

    Having come back to see this one again and again, I can’t help but imagine how AWESOME it would be to take a Block 70 F-16,squeeze in a P&W F-135 or a GE XA-100 with the same (or updated) 3-D thrust vectoring used on the X-31. That would be a NASTY little single engine air superiority fighter. OR… same concept in a smaller airframe (like the F-20) to be used in a Loyal Wingman-esque drone/support role. Just a super pissed off swarm of Locusts. Same basic modular airframe with mission-specific hardware in the nose. EW, ISR/BDA, AWACS, A2A/A2G. “We have the technology”

  • @kirscheim
    @kirscheim3 жыл бұрын

    thank you for this ...

  • @justme3894
    @justme38943 жыл бұрын

    Your Videos are Gold

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you and thanks for being a longtime subscriber!

  • @justme3894

    @justme3894

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@PilotPhotog I am the one who have to thank you....I love military related content, specially airplanes, and you deliver the content the best way I could possibly hope for...Honored to be a subscriber....

  • @stavroulatheodorakaki
    @stavroulatheodorakaki3 жыл бұрын

    Thenk you so much

  • @Jakes_1-1
    @Jakes_1-13 жыл бұрын

    Growing up I had a flight sim game where you could fly this jet...it was sooo cool! Wish I could remember the name of the game. Great vid and yes PLEASE do the Hornet vid!

  • @justinavery8664
    @justinavery86643 жыл бұрын

    Great stuff... subscribed 👍

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for commenting and for subscribing! More videos on the way.

  • @markmullins7990
    @markmullins79903 жыл бұрын

    Yeah f18 Harv video not heard of that one would be nice thanks

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Will do and thanks for commenting!

  • @robertgriffin662
    @robertgriffin6623 жыл бұрын

    Yes More X-planes please!

  • @jaydubb71
    @jaydubb713 жыл бұрын

    I saw one of these live in person in 2002 when I was working at Patuxent Naval Air Station. And I watched it fly on lunch one day practicing what appeared to be dog fighting against an F/A18 Super Hornet. I almost choked on my food watching it maneuver against the F/A18. I told my ex-wife and she thought I was high on drugs. Lol. Then a video came on TV and she saw it. She was like WTF! I laughed and said "I told you so". I stood next to it and saw the "paddles" on the back of the engine and when I asked what they were for, one of the guys in the hanger said "Thrust Vectoring". I didn't have a clue what he was talking until I saw it fly. Fricken incredible. Good thing I didn't choke on my food and die. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to give this eye witness account...

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    That must have been an incredible (and surreal) sight to see...thanks for sharing!

  • @Coppertopdude
    @Coppertopdude2 жыл бұрын

    My favorite part is usually learning about the weight specs, like how this thing can go from just 11,000 pounds to 35,000, insane

  • @mickberick8575
    @mickberick85753 жыл бұрын

    Thanks . Do all of them please as well as the F18 HARV

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    HARV Is next! Hoping to have it out on Monday. Thanks for commenting

  • @vancave3539
    @vancave35393 жыл бұрын

    Great content! Any information on the F-16 Canard aircraft that had 4 canards located on underside of the aircraft? I was told that they were tested and allowed the aircraft to perform out rageous sideway manuvers??

  • @yipkk
    @yipkk3 жыл бұрын

    Such a beautiful aircraft

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Indeed and thanks for commenting!

  • @divecolosio4988
    @divecolosio49883 жыл бұрын

    One of the good things to come out of Op. Paperclip

  • @davidjwilson3
    @davidjwilson33 жыл бұрын

    These are great videos and I'm enjoying the series! As a minor note, the reference wing area for the X-31 is 226.3 ft2, not 2,436 ft2. It looks like Wikipedia has the same error, so you may have pulled the data from there. Regardless, great video!

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for pointing that out, I will update the description. Glad you enjoyed the video

  • @phantomdracula
    @phantomdracula3 жыл бұрын

    Project Aurora..the ULTIMATE X-plane...now that would be a great round table discussion

  • @davecruzen9352
    @davecruzen93523 жыл бұрын

    Great video. You did a fine job giving info on the "cross breeding" of other aircraft that produced X-31. Sad that it isn't on inventory. Would loved to have flown it, at least in XBOX form. Have to hand it to the EU. They have some great cunard designs. Messerschidt has always been ahead of the pack since the 1920's.

  • @vikneshvisva3881
    @vikneshvisva38813 жыл бұрын

    I'm late but thank you very much!

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    No worries and glad you enjoyed the video!

  • @PCS1LDV
    @PCS1LDV3 жыл бұрын

    This was a fun video. Please do the F-18 video you mentioned.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Will do and thanks for commenting!

  • @exposingthedarknesswiththe9190
    @exposingthedarknesswiththe91903 жыл бұрын

    *YES, IT WAS ONE OF THE LESSER KNOWN TEST PLANES, BUT THE ACHIEVEMENTS THROUGH IT HAS HELPED IMMENSELY WITH FUTURE FIGHTER JETS.*

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Indeed and thanks for commenting!

  • @chrisl117
    @chrisl1173 жыл бұрын

    I remember flying this in Jane's ATF. : )

  • @andreasleonardo6793
    @andreasleonardo67933 жыл бұрын

    Wow what amazing video of highly powerful characters nearly to imagination or space wars in side planet Atmosphere...X31 ..yes ...its powerful NASA intermediate production between F-16 and F - 22 ..too nice thanks

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you and glad you enjoyed it!

  • @HAMlLTON
    @HAMlLTON3 жыл бұрын

    Yes more thrust vectoring!

  • @phimien2426
    @phimien24262 жыл бұрын

    Top concode Naza!

  • @W1ldTangent
    @W1ldTangent3 жыл бұрын

    Wow.. I've known about this plane for a long time, seen plenty of pictures, but never video until now... I had always heard this thing could pull manoeuvres that were unnatural for fixed wing aircraft, but seeing it is just surreal.

  • @swunt10
    @swunt103 жыл бұрын

    somehow he forgot to mention the most important part. MBB came up with the TKF-90 concept which later developed into the eurofighter and is also the reason why the rafale and gripen look so similar. MBB tested their instability idea on the F-104G CCV experimental aircraft and then wanted to combine fly by wire instability with delta wings and canards for the TKF-90 concept with trust vectoring. that resulted in the x-31. it's also the reason why the eurofighter is capable of receiving trust vercoring if ever someone would order it as an upgrade.

  • @williamdobbin7827
    @williamdobbin78273 жыл бұрын

    Video on the F-18 HARV???? YES PLEASE!!!!!

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    You got it!

  • @williamduffy1227
    @williamduffy12273 жыл бұрын

    I remember reading a long time ago about something called HiMat - Highly Manuevarable Aircraft Technology. Is there any relation between that program and this? Did that program precede this one?

  • @KernowekTim
    @KernowekTim3 жыл бұрын

    Once again, an excellent video, crammed with relevant info. For me, as a Brit, the moment I heard NASA X Planes, Messerschmitt, Delta Wing, Advanced Maneuverability Canards, Variable thrust Vectoring, the word 'Typhoon' sprang to mind. Great flying machines have come from the Lockheed and Messerschmitt stables down the years: some real pioneering stuff! This X Plane series is going to be cool as, I reckon. Having ones ideas and constructions copied is a great accolade, however, the saying, 'I don't mind you copying me, but it'd be good if you could come up with some great ideas of your own sometimes' ring so true...oh, by the way, 'Thanks for the Titanium'. Stay safe man. Stay in peace.

  • @PilotPhotog

    @PilotPhotog

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Tim as always! I am really excited about the NASA X plane series and have many videos planned. And to your point: As Bruce Lee used to say “Use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it.”

  • @jeffc2017

    @jeffc2017

    3 жыл бұрын

    The X-31 was jointly developed between Rockwell International (formerly North American --- P-51, F-86, F-100... etc) and MBB... 2 legendary aircraft makers.

  • @swunt10

    @swunt10

    3 жыл бұрын

    MBB came up with the TKF-90 concept in the 70's which later developed into the eurofighter and is also the reason why the rafale and gripen look so similar. MBB tested their instability idea first on the F-104G CCV experimental aircraft and then wanted to combine fly by wire instability with delta wings and canards for the TKF-90 concept with trust vectoring. that resulted in the x-31. it's also the reason why the eurofighter is capable of receiving trust vectoring if ever someone would order it as an upgrade.

  • @jeffchilds8050
    @jeffchilds80503 жыл бұрын

    Another possibility for future research was the HMAT projects (Highly Manuverable Aircraft Technology). They were all R/C as I understand. They may also have been precursors to this plane.

  • @Radionut
    @Radionut3 жыл бұрын

    Very nice looks like it was highly maneuverable however can do a tail slide

  • @327musman
    @327musman3 жыл бұрын

    F18 harv. Whats that. Please tell me more. One thing I Wondered is while the F22 only uses up down thrust vectoring as opposed to the Russian models Which are able to vector their thrust in any direction