The X-53 A Summary of the Active Aeroelastic Wing Flight Research Program

Abstract

[Abstract] This paper summarizes the development and flight results of the X-53, better known as the Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) F/A-18 Flight Research Program.. Goals of the AAW Flight Research Program were to demonstrate, in full scale, key AAW parameters and to measure the aerodynamic, structural, and flight control characteristics associated with AAW. The AAW program’s technical content is discussed and some lessons learned and conclusions are described.