Andreas Parsch said:
I just learned that the X-53A designation was actually applied to the F/A-18A (s/n NASA 853) modified for AAW research.
From a USAF release dated 7 May:
Active Aeroelastic Wing Flight Research Vehicle Receives X-53 Designation
The X-53
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by Air Vehicles Directorate
AFRL/VA
5/7/2007 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- AFRL researchers received word regarding the Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) flight demonstrator's assignment to mission design series number X-53. The designation makes the vehicle AFRL's first successfully initiated X plane since the X-24 lifting body concept, which was later employed on the space shuttle.
Receiving X-53 designation marks an important step forward in AAW technology. The X-53 moniker affords the vehicle a higher recognition factor and will likely generate greater interest in the concept from a technology transition perspective. The AAW concept may play a crucial role in future aircraft, including strike unmanned air vehicles and global engagement bombers.