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The modified F-18 flown by NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, for high angle of attack research cruises over the nearby desert. A thrust vectoring system, linked to the aircraft's flight control system, was installed on each of the engine exhaust nozzles. The system moves a set of three paddles on each engine to redirect thrust for directional control and increased maneuverability at angles of attack at up to 70 degrees.
Data from the F-18 high angle of attack program produced information to validate computer codes and wind tunnel results and led to design methods providing better performance in future aircraft.