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[[File:X-Glider.png|306x306px|thumb|right|NASA X-Glider]]

'''X-glider aviation''' refers to two connected categories: experimental aircraft ("X-planes") and gliders, which are unpowered aircraft relying on lift from air currents. X-gliders explore flight characteristics, wing design, and performance using both model and full-scale experimental gliders.

== X-Planes (Experimental Aircraft) ==

=== Purpose ===
X-planes were created for testing new technologies in flight and conducting high-speed, high-altitude aerodynamic research.

=== Examples ===
Famous X-planes include:
* X-1: Broke the sound barrier.
* X-15: Reached hypersonic speeds and suborbital altitudes.
* X-20 Dyna-Soar: Planned as a reusable spaceplane.
* X-5: Demonstrated variable-sweep wings, later influencing aircraft like the F-14 and B-1.
* X-29 and X-31: Used canards and forward-swept wings.
* X-36: Flown without a vertical tail.

=== Impact ===
NASA's X-plane program pushed the boundaries of aeronautics and spaceflight, introducing groundbreaking flight control and airframe concepts.

== Gliders (Unpowered Aircraft) ==

=== History ===
Gliding predates powered flight, with early pioneers such as Otto Lilienthal and the Wright brothers experimenting with control surfaces and airfoil shapes.

=== Types ===
Gliders range from sailplanes to hang gliders and paragliders, each with unique launch and flight capabilities.

=== How They Fly ===
Unpowered gliders rely on rising air currents (thermals, ridge lift) to stay aloft, making use of efficient aerodynamic designs.

=== Examples ===
* Airspeed Horsa: WWII military glider.
* Messerschmitt Me 321 Gigant: Largest glider ever built.
* NASA experimental gliders: Used for research and testing of flight control and aerodynamic innovations.

=== Modern Use ===
Gliders are used recreationally and for training and research. NASA has promoted X-glider educational kits to help students explore flight dynamics.

== NASA X-Glider Educational Program ==

NASA’s "X-Glider" initiative allows students to build foam gliders that model key aircraft configurations tested throughout history. These include swept-back wings, delta wings, oblique wings, canards, and twin fuselage designs.

=== Materials ===
Common materials used:
* Foam food trays
* Paper clips and binder clips for weight/balance
* Toothpicks, tape, sandpaper
* Templates to cut and shape control surfaces

=== Activity Overview ===
* Build gliders using NASA-provided templates.
* Modify weight and balance by adjusting components.
* Test flight characteristics based on wing/canard/stabilizer positioning.
* Record flight distances and analyze performance.

== Research and Development ==

Flight testing using gliders and scaled-down models remains a key component of NASA’s aerodynamic research process. Aircraft are outfitted with sensors to collect data on airflow, performance, and control responses during flight.

== Reference ==
[https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/136206main_X.Gliders.pdf?emrc=04bdf5 NASA]