2025 Gathering of Eagles Celebrating the Grumman X-29 Technology Demonstrator Project

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November 1st – Doors Open 5:00 PM

The Hellenic Center – Lancaster, CA

The Grumman X-29 has been chosen to represent the expanded Flight Test Museum for its unique design and representation of X-planes. This experimental aircraft tested a forward-swept wing, canard control surfaces, and other novel aircraft technologies. Funded by DARPA, the United States Air Force, and NASA, the X-29 was developed by Grumman, and the two built were flown by NASA and the United States Air Force.

The aerodynamic instability of the X-29’s airframe required the use of computerized fly-by-wire control. Composite materials were used to control the aeroelastic divergent twisting experienced by forward-swept wings, and to reduce weight. The aircraft first flew in 1984 and became the first forward-swept wing aircraft to break the sound barrier in level flight.

Meet key flight test pilots and engineers who took the aircraft through its paces and get an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the events that shattered the analog world and ushered in the digital age of aviation. Reception begins at 5 pm with the dinner and awards program starting at 6:45 pm.

The presentation will include Eagle and Falcon Award Recognition, a panel discussion with Q&A, and other awards and scholarship presentations. There will be a silent auction and printed history program.

Learn more about the Flight Test Historical Foundation and the Flight Test Museum

HELP US IN OUR EFFORTS TO PRESERVE FLIGHT TEST HISTORY AND EDUCATE FUTURE GENERATIONS!

Sponsor questions contact: Ira Opatowsky • (661) 341-0233 • iopatowsky@gmail.com