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Meeting	ACGS Committee Meeting 133 - Asheville, NC - November 2024
Agenda Location	5 SUBCOMMITTEE A – AERONAUTIC AND SURFACE VEHICLES 5.3 X-31 Flight Test History
Title	X-31 Flight Test History
Presenter	Marge Draper-Donley (NAVAIR) and Oliver Brieger (Airbus)
Available Downloads*	presentation
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Abstract	This presentation gives an overview of the groundbreaking and significant contributions the X-31 EFM and VECTOR Programs have made regarding the utilization of thrust vector control technology and also being the first X-Programs with international participation. The objective of the Enhanced Fighter Maneuverability (EFM) Program focused on the tactical benefits of thrust vector control in the post-stall flight regime up to 70 deg Angle of Attack in close-in combat mission scenarios. The quadruplex, digital, full-authority flight control system featured control laws employing optimal control theory by means of an LQR controller design, allowing for a seamless integration of the thrust vector control system, supplementing the aerodynamic control effectors dependent on flight condition and effectiveness. The Vectoring ESTOL Control Tailless Operation Research (VECTOR) Program focused predominantly on the utilization of thrust vector control to facilitate an automated high AoA, high precision approach and landing to significantly reduce kinetic energy and thus assess benefits with respect to reduced wear and tear and higher bring back weight for aircraft carrier operations. To achieve this objective an autopilot was designed retaining the same design principles as for the basic control laws, demonstrating safe ESTOL operations up to 24 deg AoA. The presentation gives insights into many system design considerations and the achieved flight test results.