The Rockwell-Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm X-31 is an experimental jet aircraft designed to test fighter thrust vectoring technology.
Rockwell-MBB X-31
X-31 Quasi-Tailless (without fin and rudder). Artist Concept
Performing a high angle of attack manoeuvre
X-31 Quasi-Tailless (without fin and rudder). Artist Concept
Thrust vectoring, also known as thrust vector control (TVC), is the ability of an aircraft, rocket or other vehicle to manipulate the direction of the thrust from its engine(s) or motor(s) to control the attitude or angular velocity of the vehicle.
Graphite exhaust vanes on a V-2 rocket engine's nozzle
The pre-World War 1, British Army airship Delta, fitted with swiveling propellers
Three experimental thrust vectoring aircraft in flight; from left to right, F-18 HARV, X-31, and F-16 MATV
Sea Harrier FA.2 ZA195 front (cold) vector thrust nozzle