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The Grumman X-29 experimental aircraft was deliberately designed to be unstable in flight. That configuration gave it greater agility, but also meant that a human pilot could not control the craft without assistance from an on-board computer. For safety reasons, the X-29 used three, identical, digital computers, any one of which could assist the pilot.

At the time, some criticized the concept of fly-by-wire and the inherently unstable design, and the fact that if the computer failed the X-29 would crash instantly. But in a long series of test flights beginning in 1984, the computers worked well and the X-29 completely validated the concept. Fly-by-wire has been employed in a variety of civil and military aircraft since then.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details

Date

1984

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

AVIONICS-Autopilots

Manufacturer

Honeywell Inc.

Physical Description

Rectangular black aluminum box; with electric connectors and circuit board.

Dimensions

3-D (Overall): 18.3 × 19.2 × 57.8cm (7 3/16 in. × 7 9/16 in. × 1 ft. 10 3/4 in.)

Materials

Non-Magnetic Metals
Plastics
Ferrous Alloy
Adhesive Sticker
Ink
Adhesive Tape
Paint

Inventory Number

A19880244000

Credit Line

Gift of Honeywell, Inc.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

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