The joint German-US Rockwell MBB X-31 Enhanced Righthander Maneuverability aircraft recently demonstrated its very tight turning performance. Known as a Herbst manoeuvre after the late Wolfgang Herbst of MBB, the aircraft flying at 19,400ft (6000m) and 200ktas(360kmlh), decelerated by pitching into a 70°AOA, then rolled to reverse the aircraft's direction using its thrust deflector paddles, and rapidly accelerated away again. The turn is far more tighter and faster than a more conventional change of direction with current aircraft. Right testing of the two X-31 experimental aircraft is due to be completed by December.