Grumman X-29 Switch Blade

The forward-swept wing demonstrator built to explore advanced aerodynamics.

Overview

Grumman United States ICAO: X29 1984–1986 $60 million

The Grumman X-29 was an experimental aircraft developed to test forward-swept wing technology and advanced control systems. Designed as a research platform, it demonstrated innovative materials and fly-by-wire control. The aircraft provided valuable aerodynamic data during its test program.

Live Fleet Activity (X29)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × General Electric F404 turbofan
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
16,000 lbf · 71 kN
Avionics
Litton LR-80 AHRS, Magnavox AN/ARC-164 UHF, Teledyne RT-1063B/APX-101V IFF/SIF
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
53 ft 10 in  ·  16.40 m
Tail height
14 ft 3 in  ·  4.35 m
Fuselage diameter
3 ft 7 in  ·  1.10 m
Wing span
27 ft 2 in  ·  8.29 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
17,800 lb  ·  8,050 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
4,000 lb  ·  1,800 kg
Fuel capacity
590 gal · 2,200 L · 1,800 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
956 kt  ·  1,100 mph  ·  1,771 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
350 nm  ·  400 mi  ·  650 km
Fuel burn
0.45 nm/gal  ·  0.22 km/L
Ceiling
55,000 ft  ·  16,800 m
Rate of climb
—
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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Grumman X-29A at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

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Operational Context

Grumman X-29 — forward-swept wing research aircraft

The X-29 first flew in 1984 as part of a joint research effort involving NASA and the U.S. Air Force. Its forward-swept wing configuration required advanced composite materials to withstand aerodynamic loads. The aircraft relied on digital fly-by-wire controls to maintain stability.

Powered by a General Electric F404 turbofan producing approximately 16,000 pounds of thrust (71 kN) with afterburner, the X-29 achieved speeds near Mach 1.8. Maximum takeoff weight was roughly 18,000 pounds (8,165 kg). The aircraft carried no operational armament.

The X-29 program expanded understanding of unstable aerodynamic configurations. Data gathered influenced later fighter development and materials research. Although it did not enter production, it remains a notable experimental aircraft of the 1980s.