Talk:Grumman X-29

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[edit] F-5 connection

According to this link in the article, http://www.fighter-planes.com/info/x29.htm:

The two X-29s were built to test a forward-swept wing of composite structure. The X-29 incorporates the forward fuselage of the F-5 and the landing gear of the F-16.

This agrees with other sources I have read over the years, at least one print source of which I still have. The "forward fuselage" (basiaclly the cockpit to just aft of the nose cone) is hardly the "airframe". From what I have read, the X-29 was a new design which just used existing structures which did not need to be purpose built, including the main gear of the F-16. I certainly hope the X-29 doesn't show up on the F-16 page as a variant, or even in related content. However, I have no problem listing the F-5 under Related development in the Related content section. - BillCJ 20:50, 17 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Personal note

I used to make TDY trips to Grumman, for systems-level verificaiton tests. I was able to see/touch the X-29 #2 ship at Calverton sometime in the mid-80s. Until #1 was doing well in flight test, Grumman would not allow this. I felt privleged!

Also, there was a cartoon of the X-29. The crew chief, unfamiliar with forward swept wings, tells the test pilot "They put the seat in backwards, Sir, so I had to turn it around." —Preceding unsigned comment added by 205.175.225.22 (talk • contribs)