Boeing X-53 Active Aeroelastic Wing

<p>The X-53 Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) development program is a completed  <a href="/facts/United_States/P0sCdLe5">American</a> research project that was undertaken jointly by the <a href="/facts/Air_Force_Research_Laboratory/QGBMMKKa">Air Force Research Laboratory</a> (AFRL), <a href="/facts/Boeing_Phantom_Works/DnL8Be0K">Boeing Phantom Works</a> and <a href="/facts/NASA/TIMCV0yV">NASA</a>'s <a href="/facts/Dryden_Flight_Research_Center/g5XxJ6RV">Dryden Flight Research Center</a>, where the technology was flight tested on a modified <a href="/facts/McDonnell_Douglas_F/A-18_Hornet/hsKrCHym">McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet</a>. Active Aeroelastic Wing Technology is a technology that integrates wing aerodynamics, controls, and structure to harness and control wing <a href="/facts/Aeroelasticity/xEL9ae5M">aeroelastic</a> 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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Boeing X-53 Active Aeroelastic Wing open-in-new

Boeing X-53 Active Aeroelastic Wing