The Kiel air data probe on the noseboom on the X-31 aircraft shows the orifices used to collect air pressure measurements.
EC93-42024-4
The Kiel air data probe on the noseboom of the X-31 aircraft shows the orifices used to collect air pressure measurements. Icing in the unheated Kiel probe on the first X-31 (Bu. No. 164584) caused that aircraft to crash. The aircraft obtained data that may apply to the design and development of highly-maneuverable aircraft of the future. Each has a three-axis thrust-vectoring system, coupled with advanced flight controls, to allow it to maneuver tightly at very high angles of attack.June 1993NASA Photo / Ken Wiersema› X-31 Project Description