General Category > Military/Defense News

The X-44 Manta and the Future of Air Dominance

(1/1)

rangerrebew:
The X-44 Manta and the Future of Air Dominance
Story by Emma Taylor • 9h


In the high-stakes world of aerial combat, where supremacy in the skies can determine the outcome of conflicts, innovation is not just welcome—it’s essential. The U.S. Air Force’s vision for such innovation was encapsulated in the form of the X-44 Manta, an ambitious project by Lockheed Martin that promised to redefine the boundaries of stealth and maneuverability.

The X-44 Manta, a concept that emerged from the collaboration between Lockheed Martin and NASA, boasted a radical design that did away with conventional tail surfaces altogether. Its “stretched delta-wing mainplane” silhouette aimed to create the ultimate low-visibility fighter, potentially outclassing even the F-22A Raptor.
 
This tailless delta-wing aircraft was designed to be a powerhouse in the sky, equipped with thrust-vector control for exceptional agility. Powered by Pratt & Whitney’s turbofan engines, the X-44 aimed to thrust forward with an impressive 35,000 pounds of power, reaching speeds of about 1,500 miles per hour.

The X-44 Manta was not just about stealth. It was designed to carry a formidable array of weapons, including an internal cannon, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, and GBU-32 JDAMs. This arsenal would have provided the X-44 with both air-to-air and ground attack capabilities, potentially making it an unmatched combatant in the skies.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/the-x-44-manta-and-the-future-of-air-dominance/ar-BB1moTpx?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=bf7e96306516472fa1ed9d5bfda23285&ei=61

Navigation

[0] Message Index