The X-29 Experimental Aircraft

The X-29 was an experimental aircraft designed to explore new design concepts using advanced materials and technologies. Its forward swept wings, a design previously attempted by Junkers in the 1940s, offered increased maneuverability but required new carbon fiber composites to address flexing issues. The aircraft's enhanced maneuverability necessitated a dynamic control system with canards and a triple redundant computer system to maintain stability. The X-29 also featured a supercritical airfoil for improved aerodynamics. The two aircraft completed 436 flights before retirement.

What was the primary reason for the initial abandonment of forward-swept wing designs by Junkers in the 1940s?

• Insufficient demand for bombers

• High production costs

• Lack of interest in the design

• Technical problems

What material innovation made the forward-swept wing design feasible for the X-29?

• Aluminum alloys

• Titanium composites

• Carbon fiber composites

• Steel reinforcements

How often did the canards need to be adjusted during flight to maintain stability?

• 10 times a second

• 20 times a second

• 30 times a second

• 40 times a second

What feature of the X-29's digital control system ensured its reliability?

• Single computer system

• Triple redundant computer system

• Analog control system

• Manual override system

How many flights did the X-29 complete before being retired?

• 200 flights

• 500 flights

• 600 flights

• 436 flights