| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | 164585 |
| Military Code: | SD-031 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Rockwell-MBB X-31 |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | Rockwell-MBB X-31 |
| Aircraft Version: | Rockwell-MBB X-31A |
| C/n (msn): | 2 |
| Operator Titles: | USA - Navy |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | OberschleißheimMap |
| Country: | Germany |
| Airport Codes: | ICAO: EDNX IATA: - Local: - Other: - |
| Collection: | Deutsches Museum - Flugwerft Schleissheim |
| Photo Date: | 27 June 2020 |
| Photo by: | Wim Sonneveld |
| Photo ID: | 840157 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
The Rockwell-Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm X-31 is an experimental jet aircraft designed to test fighter thrust vectoring technology. It was designed and built by Rockwell and Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB). From 2002 to 2003, the X-31 flew extremely short takeoff and landing approaches first on a virtual runway at 5,000 feet (1,500 m) in the sky, to ensure that the Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System accurately guides the aircraft with the centimeter accuracy required for on the ground landings. Serial 164585 made a total of 288 flights, the last one being in 2003. This photo is copyright © Wim Sonneveld, and may not be used or published in any way without permission. It was added on 25 August 2025, and has since been viewed 54 times. |