The X-44 MANTA (Multi-Axis No-Tail Aircraft) was a conceptual Lockheed Martin aircraft design that has been studied by NASA and the U.S. Air Force. It was intended to test the feasibility of full yaw, pitch and roll control without tailplanes (horizontal or vertical). Attitude manipulation relies purely on 3D thrust vectoring.

The aircraft itself was an F-22 Raptor-derived design featuring a stretched version of the delta wing and deleted tail surfaces. Funding for the X-44 program was ended in 2000. "X-Planes Explained". NASAExplores.com, October 9, 2003

Design and development

The X-44 was designed by Lockheed Martin to demonstrate the feasibility of an aircraft controlled by vectored thrust alone. The X-44 design had a reduced radar signature and was made more efficient by eliminating the tail and rudder surfaces, and instead using thrust vectors to provide yaw, pitch and roll control.

The X-44 MANTA design was based on the F-22, except without a tail and incorporated a full delta wing. The basic X-44 MANTA will entail a larger weapons payload and a greater fuel capacity than the F-22. The X-44’s delta wing would allow it to carry more weapons and fuel. The MANTA was designed to have reduced mechanical complexity, increased fuel efficiency and greater agility. The X-44 MANTA combined the control and propulsion systems, using thrust vectoring.

The X-44 MANTA was an experimental design that was never brought to reality.

See also

References

1. Pike, John. "X-44 MANTA." GlobalSecurity.org, 27 April 2005.

External links

• "The X Planes, X-44". Code One Magazine, Second Quarter 2001.
• Day, Dwayne A. "Delta Wings". centennialofflight.gov