X-53 Active Aeroelastic Wing

Specifications

Company- The Boeing Company
Type- Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) demostrator.
Goals- Active Aeroelastic Wing demonstrator combines aerodynamics, active controls and advanced structures to make more efficient use of the wing planform during high-speed maneuvers.
Primary Testing Facility Research- NASA Dryden Flight Research Center
Dimensions- N/A
Max Speed- N/A
Range- N/A
Service Ceiling- N/A
Power Plant- N/A
Thrust- N/A
Weights- N/A
Payload- N/A
Flights- N/A
Number of Prototypes Built- 1
Project Tenure- 2002-????
Project Status- Ongoing

Information

The Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) development program is a current research project being undertaken jointly by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Boeing Phantom Works and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, where the technology is being flight tested on a modified F/A-18 Hornet, designated the X-53.

AAW combines aerodynamics, active controls and advanced structures to make more efficient use of the wing planform during high-speed maneuvers. This is achieved through the use of multiple leading and trailing edge control surfaces, which are controlled by a digital flight control system to take advantage of the wings' natural tendency to twist under air load. At high speeds, these control surfaces are able to achieve high levels of control power while minimizing structural loads. When applied correctly, the wing will twist less and in an opposite direction to a conventional wing during maneuvering.

The modified F/A-18 first flew in November, 2002. It was redesignated X-53 on August 16, 2006, per memo by USAF Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategic Plans and Programs.

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