NORTHROP X-4 BANTAM

Canson paper 120g. Graphite drawing. DIN A4 21 x 29´7cm
The Northrop X-4 Bantam was a small twinjet devoid of horizontal tail stabilizers, relying instead on a combined aileron and elevator control surfaces, called an elevon, for control of its roll and pitch capabilities. Some aerodynamic engineers hoped that the removal of the horizontal stabilizer would also eliminate stability problems at supersonic speeds that arose from the interaction of shock waves with the wings and horizontal stabilizers. However, this wish failed to work.
Two aircraft were built, as the first had too many deficiencies that prevented it from flying steadily.
While conducting tests between 1950 and 1953 at NACA's High Speed ​​Flight Research Center, the X-4 exhibited stability issues when approaching the speed of sound. The conclusion was that, with the control technology of that time, a tailless aircraft was not suitable for supersonic flight.