X-Planes & Experiments

X-Planes & Experiments: Pushing Boundaries

The iconic X-plane series and test programs have repeatedly shattered limits, from breaking the sound barrier to exploring extreme speeds and new configurations. Here we trace the pioneers: variable-sweep wing innovators like the Bell X-5, high-altitude reconnaissance forerunners before the U-2, record-breaking rockets that reached the edge of space, and today’s quiet supersonic efforts with the X-59. These dedicated research aircraft, often one-offs built to test theories, delivered data that shaped generations of fighters, bombers, and transports. Expect more on transonic breakthroughs, swing-wing evolution, and emerging low-boom technologies as this archive grows. Dive into the science of flight below.

Grumman X-29

by AMAH | X-Planes, AMAH, Concept Aircraft

The Grumman X-29 was a groundbreaking 1980s experimental aircraft developed by DARPA, NASA, and the US Air Force to demonstrate forward-swept wings on a modified F-5 airframe. Featuring advanced composite materials to counter aeroelastic divergence and fly-by-wire...

VENOM-AFT – No More Pilots

by AMAH | American, AMAH, Concept Aircraft, X-Planes

VENOM-AFT, the autonomous flight technology demonstrated on the X-62A VISTA (a modified F-16 testbed), marks a historic shift toward pilotless combat aircraft. In 2023, AI algorithms enabled the X-62A to engage in aggressive dogfights against human-piloted F-16s,...

Before the U-2 there was the Bell X-16

by AMAH | AMAH, American, Cold War, X-Planes

Before the U-2 there was the Bell X-16, a 1950s high-altitude reconnaissance jet developed by Bell Aircraft under USAF Project MX-2147 for Cold War Soviet overflights, featuring twin J57 turbojets, 35m high-aspect wings, 3,300-mile range, and 72,000-ft ceiling....

X-59

by AMAH | AMAH, American, X-Planes

The X-59 QueSST, NASA's quiet supersonic demonstrator built by Lockheed Martin, reshapes sonic boom perception with a slender design producing soft thumps (75 dB) instead of loud cracks. Featuring GE F414 engine, forward vision system, and Mach 1.4 capability, it aims...

Exploring the Limits of Speed

by AMAH | AMAH, American, X-Planes

In conducting its mission to explore the limits of speed and even venture above the atmosphere to the edge of space, the X-15 program would provide valuable data for use in solving the problems to be encountered in space flight, especially atmospheric re-entry. NACA’s...

Getting Into The Swing: Developing the Bell X-5 & Convair X-6

by AMAH | AMAH, American, X-Planes

Michael Nelmes once again delves into the X-Plane saga, this time looking at the Bell X-5 and Convair X-6,finishing with some recent developments that are taking us to the stars! If you enjoy these articles, consider becoming a subscriber to Wings Magazine...

The X-Factor

by AMAH | AMAH, American, X-Planes

During World War II the Douglas Aircraft Company in California was approached by Air Technical Service Command, US Air Force, for a design proposal under Materiel, Experimental Project MX-656 to explore the transonic speed regime. A contract for a design study was...

Through the Sound Barrier

by AMAH | AMAH, American, X-Planes

We go back to the beginnings of supersonic flight where the groundwork was laid for future aerospace programs. This story is by Michael Nelmes from the Spring 2022 issue of Wings Magazine - Australia's premier military aviation magazine. Subscribe to Wings here:...