Grumman
X-29A model airplane
Designed to explore hitherto theoretical aerodynamic virtues of forward
swept wings which promised improved agility, spin-proof flying characteristics,
good low-speed handling, and reduced stalling speeds, the Grumman Model
712, designated X-29A by the USAF, was a single-seat jet aircraft fitted
with a wing mounted at the rear of the fuselage, swept forward at 35 degrees,
and having shoulder-mounted canards just behind the cockpit. Powered by
a single GE F404 turbofan, the aircraft used major components of other
aircraft to keep costs down, including a F-5A forward fuselage and nose
landing gear, and F-16 main landing gear and control surface actuators.
Two prototypes were ordered in 1981 under a $80 million contract. The first
aircraft flew on December 14, 1984. The second prototype X-29A flew for
the first time on May 23, 1989. Between them, the two aircraft completed
374 flights (more than any other X-craft) and demonstrated angles of attack
up to 67 degrees (the target was 80 degrees). They also flew at Mach numbers
up to 1.52 and reached altitudes up to 40,000 feet. Both aircraft are now
stored at the Ames-Dryden Flight Research Facility of NASA at Edwards AFB
in California. |
All airplane models are Hand Carved, Hand Painted
Mahogany and comes fully assembled with removable desk stand. |