X-31 at High Angle of Attack. The X-31 aircraft, on a research mission from NASA's Dryden Flight Research, Edwards, California, is flying nearly perpendicular while performing the Herbst manoeuvre. Effectively using the airframe as a speed brake and its unique thrust vectoring system maintain control, the pilot rapidly rolls the aircraft reverse the direction of flight, completing the manoeuvre with acceleration back high speed in the opposite direction (NASA Media Archives). Buy this as a superb wall poster, a canvas print or a framed print.