subject: Unusual Airplanes [print this page] Unusual Airplanes Unusual Airplanes
The following magnificent birds of steel can be highly amusing for a number of individuals. For anyone seeking to achieve thrills and excitement in their lives, these aircraft give them an adrenaline rush that nothing can compare too. Meanwhile for others, these planes are like a kind of meditation, providing something similar to an out of body experience.Northrop Tacit BlueThis creation was specifically made with stealth technology in mind. The Tacit Blue is the result of seven years of diligent research. Expert analysis of the Tacit Blue's unique curved design proved that it is able to return astonishingly low radar signals, making it practically invisible. The Northrop Tacit Blue flew 134 times from 1982 until the project was ended in 1985. Without a doubt, this bird is one of the most astonishing airplanes that has ever flown.Boeing Bird of PreyInitiated back in 1992, Boeing's Bird of Prey Project remains as a classified file in the US Air Force's archives, yet that doesn't stop our appreciation for this beautiful machine. Developed to assist the US Air Force in their stealth technology research, the Bird of prey cost a staggering $67 million. The project bore a number of different models, all featuring some astounding technologies which were then embedded into the real Bird of Prey for its first ever successful flight in 1996Grumman X-29Originally conceived by a NASA research institute based in California, the V-wing shaped Grumman X-29 has played a key part in enhancing some of today's most technologically advanced airplanes. This unusual airplane was designed, built and then took off from NASA's renowned research facility, Ames Dryden. The purpose of the Grumman X-29 was to test out the unique design's functionality and the technology that was embedded into its structure. The research that has resulted from this is now used to assist engineers in new aircraft development.General Dynamics A12 Avenger IIEnvisioned as a replacement for the A6 Intruder, the primary purpose behind the A12 Avenger II was for it to be an all-weather stealth fighting machine for the US Navy and Marine Corp. However, due to a number of design and development faults, the hugely expensive A12 Avenger II project was closed down.Bell-Boeing V22 OspreyA magical flying machine capable of exceeding the maneuverability of almost any helicopter, the Bell-Boeing V22 Osprey is able to match the performance of almost any jet airplane. The designers behind this most striking bird flaunted vertical take off technology to produce an astonishing looking yet highly cost-effective machine. This merging of a high-speed cruise with VTOL has led to the augmentation of many practical transport applications since.Bell X-1The Bell X-1 is one of the aviation history's most renowned aircraft. This is a rocket powered beast that smashed the sound barrier for the first time way back in 1947, piloted by Chuck Yeager. Prior to this historical mission, Yeager broke two of his ribs while out horse riding but he didn't let this stop him. Desperate to enter the record books, Yeager concealed his injuries from his superiors, before climbing into the Bell X-1 and making history.
