Thrust vectoring is a phenomenon that allows the most maneuverable fighter jets to make faster and tighter turns. A specialized nozzle and thrust vectoring mechanism within the aircraft engines directs exhaust thrust up and down by a few degrees. Fighter pilots aim to achieve low-speed, high angle-of-attack maneuverability to get ahead of their enemy during a combat mission.

Only a handful of fighter jets are capable of achieving thrust vectoring thanks to their jet engines that provide the capability. This article examines the types of aircraft that can perform thrust vectoring and the benefits of doing so in combat missions. The information is based on data from the Smithsonian Magazine.

Thrust Vectoring

Compared to conventional thrust aircraft, thrust vectoring aircraft allow superior low-speed and often very steep maneuvers. The idea is to surprise the enemy and quickly get in a position where the enemy aircraft becomes vulnerable.

The United States Air Force’s (USAF) F-22A Raptor features a specialized engine nozzle that can direct exhaust thrust in different directions. The nozzle can swiftly change position within an up-and-down range of 24 degrees, allowing for extremely tight maneuvers. The aircraft speed is significantly lower, and can be turned sharply while the wings remain stalled.

According to the F-22A Captain in the First Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, John ‘Rocks’ Wagemann,

“Our [one-on-one] tactics have changed to incorporate the ‘post-stall’ regime, where other aircraft cannot operate. Thrust vectoring enables the pilots to fly up and over in a very tight arc, [and] gives us the nose authority to turn the jet while the wings are stalled, similar to a controlled flat spin.”

The F-22A Raptor is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F119 turbofan engines, each generating 35,000 lbs force of thrust. The engines, with the help of specialized onboard systems, make thrust vectoring possible.

Automated coordination of controls

The beauty of the F-22A thrust vectoring is that the pilots do not have to make a specific maneuver or put the aircraft into the thrust vectoring regime. Instead, the aircraft's advanced computers and control systems coordinate the control systems.

The pilot has to direct the aircraft in the desired position and control systems adjust flaps, rudder, elevator, and nozzle angle. The director of the F119 program at Pratt & Whitney, Chris Flynn, states,

“The F119’s vectoring nozzle is integrated into the F-22 flight control system” so that “the pilot doesn’t control the nozzle independently.”

As mentioned, the flaps within the engine exhaust nozzle point up or down (up to 24 degrees) to direct the jet exhaust. As a result, the aircraft becomes more responsive to fast and tight maneuvers.

Directing the nozzle upwards on both engines, as with the F-22A, points the aircraft’s nose upwards, while reversing the nozzle direction on both engines points the nose downwards. The F119 engines are designed to vector the same amount in the same direction.

Historical thrust-vectoring aircraft

Manufacturers began flight testing on thrust-vectoring aircraft in the early 1990s. In the early days of technology, it was believed that thrust vectors could change how air combat was performed. At very high angles of attack, the rudder loses its effectiveness. However, thrust vectoring allows a sharp yaw of the airplane to aim at a target without the need for rudder control.

Notably, the engine nozzles to direct the exhaust flow and the control systems must align to achieve a thrust vectoring maneuver.

Existing thrust-vectoring aircraft

There are only a handful of existing aircraft, including the two Russian-made Sukhoi, capable of thrust vectoring. The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is currently operated by the Indian Air Force. For Air Force pilots in the US, the F-22A has an extra edge over other aircraft. According to Captain Wagemann

“Thrust advantage in the visual maneuvering arena vectoring provides such a significant that I rarely find myself in a defensive position. When we start defensive, for training, you are almost always able to transition to offensive without getting shot.”

Does the F-35 Lightning have Thrust Vectoring capability?

The answer is short: no! The explanation is longer. The Aviation Geek Club suggests that one of the few features that the fifth-generation fighter lacks is thrust vectoring. During the exploration and testing of thrust vectoring in various older aircraft, it was concluded that its benefits are generally associated with flight safety.

There are some drawbacks, too, which the F-35 Lightning program could not afford. The addition of weight and volume, additional failure points, accidental loss of energy by inexperienced pilots, and high maintenance costs of the thrust vectoring mechanism. With a limited maximum takeoff weight, program budget, and operating cost caps, the drawbacks outweighed the benefits of thrust vectoring in the case of the F-35.

What are your thoughts on thrust vectoring mechanisms on combat aircraft and existing jets capable of specialized maneuvering? Share your views in the comments section.