What Vectoring Means

vectored; vectoring\ ˈvek-​t(ə-​)riŋ \ Definition of vector (Entry 2 of 2) transitive verb. 1 : to guide (something or someone, such as an airplane, its pilot, or a missile) in flight by means of a radioed vector. 2 : to change the direction of (the thrust of a jet engine) for steering.

What is the point of thrust vectoring?

Thrust vectoring is a way to reduce a missile’s minimum range, before which it cannot reach a speed high enough for its small aerodynamic surfaces to produce effective maneuvering.

What planes thrust vectoring?

Flight tests of thrust-vectoring designs began in the early 1990s with airplanes like NASA’s modified F/A-18 and F-15, the Rockwell/MBB X-31, and a modified Air Force F-16.