"An experimental tailless version of the F-22, known as the X-44 Manta (Multi-Axis No-Tail Aircraft) has been studied by NASA and the USAF Laboratory. Tailless technology could sharply reduce the bomber's side-on radar cross section (RCS)."

X-44
Mission: The X-44 is a proposed vehicle designed to fly without the aid of aerodynamic controls of any kind. All control inputs will be through the aircraft’s multi-axis vectorable exhaust nozzles.

Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
Number Built: 0
Sponsor: USAF
Fastest Flight: NA
Highest Flight: NA
First Flight: NA
Last Flight: NA
Total Flights: NA
Length: unknown
Wingspan: unknown
Height: unknown
Gross Weight: unknown

"The X-44 designation is reportedly reserved for a possible full-scale USAF/NASA manned tailless flight control
demonstrator. The X-44 has been referred to as the MANTA, or Multi-Axis No-Tail Aircraft.

The plan is to convert an early prototype Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor with a large delta wing (similar to that proposed for the FB-22) and advanced thrust vectoring nozzles for flight control. Thrust vectoring—the ability to turn the jet exhaust—allows an aircraft to create forces with its engines similar to the forces created by aerodynamic surfaces such as flaps, rudders, and stabilators. The result would be a structurally simple, light airframe, with increased fuel volume and better “stealth” characteristics since there would be no movable aerodynamic control surfaces. An X-44 feasibility study is in progress, with a team including AFRL, NASA, Lockheed Martin, and Pratt & Whitney. The X-44 is unlikely to fly before 2007, although the F-22 program will retire the first and second flying prototypes long before then. The X-44 technology, combined with fluidic nozzles and supersonic-cruise aerodynamics, could lead to a generation of high-performance, very stealthy aircraft, with exceptionally high aerodynamic efficiency."

Kinda reminds me of the F-16XL project.