OUTINE

1. INTRODUCTION
   
   The X-Planes, from the X-1 to the X-38 they represent the cutting edge in aviation

   technology. This technology is then incorperated into other military designs, thus

   making U.S. military aviation the most effective in the world. This is a large part of why

   America is so safe from foreign attacks.
   

2. FIRST SUPPORTING ARGUMENT
   
   Speed is superiority, an effective fighter/interceptor must be supersonic, the faster the

   better. The X-1 and X-15 pioneered supersonic flight, giving the America the edge it

   needs.
   

3. SECOND SUPPORTING ARGUMENT
   
   The ability to heavily bomb a target and survive requires either great speed or

   incredible stealth. The XB-70 took the former path while the B-2 took the latter. Both

   are valid and accomplish thir goal while returning for future missions, thus saving

   Americans billions of dollars in replacement planes for downed aircraft.
   

4. THIRD SUPPORTING ARGUMENT
   
   In fighters speed is useless if they can't turn with the enemy. The X-29 and X-31 are

   two of the most maneuverable aircraft in the world, indeed they are currently two of

   the best fighter designs ever created. This gives America the edge it needs to win wars

   and defend itself effectively. With these types of aircraft, enemy bombers and attack

   planes cannot harm the Americn homeland.
   

5. CONCLUSION
   
   The X-Plane series has pioneered the way for America to become the leader in

   aviation of all areas and thus keep the U.S. safe. American air power is respected and

   feared thoughout the world and is a significant reason for out contunued safety. Newer

   X-Planes such as the X-36 continue in the tradition of pushing technology as far as it

   will go. Yet other X-Planes lead the way to space, they will someday replace the

   current STS (Space Transportatin System or Space Shuttle) with space capable lifting

   bodies that can make space travel economical. These new spacecraft will function at

   only about one tenth the cost of a STS. The future today, that is what the X-Plane

   program is all about
   

been put in storage or in museum (you can find the X-29 in the Smithsonian Air&Space Museum).

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