Northrop X-21
The Northrop X-21A was an experimental aircraft designed to test wings with laminar flow control. It was based on the Douglas WB-66D airframe, with the wing-mounted engines moved to the rear fuselage and making space for air compressors. The aircraft first flew on 18 April 1963 with NASA test pilot Jack Wells at the controls. Although useful testing was accomplished, the extensive maintenance requirements of the intricate laminar-flow system caused the end of the program.
Summary from Wikipedia, photo via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA.
- Manufacturer
- Northrop
- First flight
- 1963-04-18
- Length
- 22.94 m
- Wingspan
- 28.51 m
Specifications
- Max speed
- 487 kt
- Range
- 4,156 nm
- Service ceiling
- 42,500 ft
- Max takeoff weight
- 83,000 lb
- Empty weight
- 45,828 lb
- Powerplant
- 2 × General Electric J79-GE-13 turbojets
- Engines
- 2
- Seats
- 5
- Length
- 75.3 ft
- Wingspan
- 93.5 ft
- Height
- 25.6 ft
- Number built
- 2
Specifications are approximate and may vary by variant. Compiled from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Reference and training only. Specifications vary by variant — consult the manufacturer and the official documents.