Thrust vectoring Supermaneuverability

the rockwell-mbb x-31, experimental supermaneuverable aircraft incorporating thrust vectoring

though high thrust-to-weight ratio , high aerodynamic maneuverability found on both aerodynamic , supermaneuvering aircraft, technology directly linked supermaneuverability thrust vectoring, in geometry of exhaust nozzle of traditional jet engine can modified angle engine s thrust in direction other directly rear (i.e., upwards or downwards). applies force rear of aircraft in opposite direction similar conventional control surface, unlike control surface force vectored thrust dependent on current engine thrust, not airspeed; thrust vectoring not augments control surfaces (generally of elevators) @ speed, allows aircraft retain maximum maneuverability below corner speed , attitude control below stall speed while in maneuvers. technology demonstrators such x-31, f-16 vista , f-15 s/mtd built showcase capabilities of aircraft using technology; has since been incorporated pre-production , production fighters such f-22 raptor. eastern bloc design companies have introduced technology variants of fourth-generation aircraft such mig-29 , su-27 produce mig-29ovt tech demonstrator , su-30mki air superiority fighter respectively, , planned fifth-generation russian-designed aircraft such sukhoi su-57 use technology well. in addition domestic russian su-30 fighters upgraded thrust vectoring engines.

thrust vectoring useful while performing maneuvers such aerial j-turn, nose of aircraft pointed upwards (and engine thrust counters gravity providing attitude control). considered impossible, in fact, perform true j-turn maneuver without vectored thrust. other maneuvers considered impossible perform under control using aerodynamic maneuvering include bell (a 360° loop negligible altitude change) , controlled flat spin (360° of yaw around point of rotation lies inside aircraft).