X-53 Active Aeroelastic Wing

The X-53 Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) development program is a completed American research project that was undertaken jointly by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Boeing Phantom Works and NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, where the technology was flight tested on a modified McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. Active Aeroelastic Wing Technology is a technology that integrates wing aerodynamics, controls, and structure to harness and control wing aeroelastic twist at high speeds and dynamic pressures. By using multiple leading and trailing edge controls like "aerodynamic tabs", subtle amounts of aeroelastic twist can be controlled to provide large amounts of wing control power, while minimizing maneuver air loads at high wing strain conditions or aerodynamic drag at low wing strain conditions. This program was the first full-scale proof of AAW technology.

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Wikimedia, Wikidata
Active Aeroelastic Wing; Boeing X-53 Active Aeroelastic Wing; McDonnell Douglas X-53; X-53; X53
1 produced, 
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, McDonnell Douglas, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, United States, United States, 

A-1, McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, 

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Location: KML, Cluster Map, Maps,

Frameless

FA-18 Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) on Display

FA-18 Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) on Display

Structural loads testing on the F/A-18 Active Aeroelastic Wing

Structural loads testing on the F/A-18 Active Aeroelastic Wing

X-53 parked

With the modified F/A-18 showcased behind him, Kevin Petersen, director of NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, addressed the audience attending the rollout ceremonies for the Active Aeroelastic Wing flight research project.

X-53 Active Aeroelastic Wing NASA test aircraft EC03-0039-1

Sideview of X-53 flying

Type	Subtype	Date	Description	Notes	Source
commons	image		FA-18 Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) on Display		Commons
commons	image		FA-18 Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) on Display		Commons
commons	image		Structural loads testing on the F/A-18 Active Aeroelastic Wing		Commons
commons	image		Structural loads testing on the F/A-18 Active Aeroelastic Wing		Commons
commons	image		X-53 parked		Commons
commons	image		With the modified F/A-18 showcased behind him, Kevin Petersen, director of NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, addressed the audience attending the rollout ceremonies for the Active Aeroelastic Wing flight research project.		Commons
commons	image		X-53 Active Aeroelastic Wing NASA test aircraft EC03-0039-1		Commons
commons	image		Sideview of X-53 flying		Commons