The Life of AVEN ® — How a 1990s F-16 Thrust-Vectoring Nozzle Became the Key to X-BAT’s Vertical Takeoff
8/6/2026
This post details the adaptation of the 1990s AVEN thrust-vectoring nozzle for the X-BAT's VTOL requirements. It covers the historical context of AVEN's development for enhanced maneuverability, the operational necessity of VTOL for survivability, and the technical challenges of adapting AVEN for precise attitude control during vertical flight. The post highlights the integration and testing of refurbished AVEN hardware with the F110-GE-129E engine, and outlines future re-engineering efforts for improved performance and autonomous flight.