Grumman X-29 Forward-Swept-Wing Research Aircraft Family
The Grumman X-29 was a two-aircraft research and technology-demonstrator family built for a joint DARPA, U.S. Air Force, and NASA programme. Its forward-swept composite wing, close-coupled canard, computerized fly-by-wire control system, and deliberately unstable configuration made it a landmark in aeroelastic tailoring and high-angle-of-attack research; the programme tested whether advanced materials and active controls could make a demanding forward-swept aircraft practical.
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Identity
- Aliases
- X-29X-29AGrumman X-29AForward-swept-wing demonstrator
- Family Name
- Grumman X-29
- Full Name
- Grumman X-29 Forward-Swept-Wing Research Aircraft Family
- Roles
- researchexperimentaltechnology_demonstrator
- Status
- retired
- Type
- aircraft
Details
- Aircraft Specs
- Configuration
- fixed_wing
- Operating Modes
- land
- Takeoff Landing Capabilities
- conventional
- Description
- The Grumman X-29 was a two-aircraft research and technology-demonstrator family built for a joint DARPA, U.S. Air Force, and NASA programme. Its forward-swept composite wing, close-coupled canard, computerized fly-by-wire control system, and deliberately unstable configuration made it a landmark in aeroelastic tailoring and high-angle-of-attack research; the programme tested whether advanced materials and active controls could make a demanding forward-swept aircraft practical.
- First Flight Year
- 1,984
- Manufacturer
- Propulsion Configurations
- Entries
- Count
- 1
- Propulsion System
- Role
- main
- Variant Notes
- General Electric F404 family; NASA identifies the installation as an F404-GE-400 engine.
- Name
- Grumman X-29 F404 installation
Links
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- Creation Time
- August 1, 2026 at 13:23:46 UTC
- Updated Time
- August 22, 2026 at 07:49:47 UTC
- Image
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