NASA/Boeing X-36
NASA and the McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) Phantom
Works developed the X-36 to validate the technologies required for
an agile, tailless fighter. For flight control, the X-36 replaced
the elevators, ailerons and rudders found on traditional aircraft
with split ailerons and a thrust-vectoring nozzle for directional
control.
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The X-36 on display is the only one to have ever flown. Over a
25-week period, this aircraft completed 31 successful research
flights. It was a donation from Boeing and came to the National
Museum in April 2003.
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