McDonnell Douglas X-36

The McDonnell Douglas X-36, later associated with Boeing, is a tailless research aircraft designed to enhance fighter agility. First flown on May 17, 1997, the X-36 was a 28% scale prototype aimed at reducing weight, drag, and radar visibility while improving range and maneuverability. It utilized a canard for control, split ailerons, and an advanced thrust vectoring nozzle, relying on a digital fly-by-wire system for stability due to its inherent instability in pitch and yaw. The aircraft completed 31 successful flights, meeting or exceeding its project goals. Despite its promising performance, there have been no further developments or derived designs reported as of 2024. The first X-36 is preserved at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, while the second is displayed at the Air Force Test Flight Center Museum.

- The X-36 was designed to improve fighter aircraft agility and stealth.

- It completed 31 successful flights during its test program.

- The aircraft utilized advanced control systems due to its unstable design.

- Both prototypes are preserved in museums, with no further development planned.

- The program met or exceeded all its initial goals.