Boeing X-32
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Image:JSF competitors.JPG Image:Boeing.jpg The Boeing X-32 was the losing competitor in the Joint Strike Fighter contest.
In 1990 the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) launched the Common Affordable Lightweight Fighter project (CALF). Around the same time the Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST) project was started. In 1994 the Congress of the United States ordered the two to be merged into the Joint Strike Fighter project.
Many companies took part in the first phase of this project, which involved drafting concept aircraft designs for submission to the Department of Defense. However on 16 November 1996, only Boeing and Lockheed Martin were awarded contracts, allowing them to produce two of their concept aircraft each. Under the contract, these fighters were required to demonstrate Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL), carrier take off and landing (CV version), and Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL). They were also expected to include ground demonstrations of a production representative aircraft's systems, such as the Preferred Weapon System Concept (PWSC). McDonnell Douglas, having failed to proceed in the project, joined the Boeing team.
One major departure from previous projects was the prohibition of the companies from using their own money to finance development. Each was awarded $750 million to produce their two aircraft – including avionics, software and hardware. This limitation promoted the adoption of low cost manufacturing and assembly techniques, and also prevented either Boeing or Lockheed from bankrupting themselves in an effort to win such an important contest.
The X-32 (also known as the "Fugly Fighter" or the "Ugly Duckling") featured a large chin mounted air intake and a large one piece wing, neither of which contributed to the sleek, awe-inspiring look expected from high tech warcraft. This "gape-mouthed" design earned the aircraft the alternate nickname "Monica." The first flight of the X-32A (designed for CTOL and carrier trials) took place in September 2000, from Boeing's Palmdale plant to Edwards Air Force Base. The X-32B demonstrated STOVL flight, first flying in March 2001. The X-32 achieved STOVL flight in much the same way as the Harrier, i.e. thrust vectoring. The Lockheed Martin team used an alternative, somewhat riskier yet more successful, method for vertical lift: a lift fan. Flight testing of both company's aircraft continued until July 2001.
In 2005 the Boeing X-32 was transferred to the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. Since it had been sitting outside for several years following the end of the JSF competition its condition had deteriorated badly. It now sits in one of the Museum's restoration facility hangars along side the Northrop YF-23 Black Widow II. In time both airplanes will be restored and placed on display in the Museum's experimental aircraft hanger.
JSF contract
On 26 October 2001 the Department of Defense announced that the Lockheed Martin X-35 had won the JSF competition. One of the main reasons for this choice appears to have been the method of achieving STOVL flight, with the Department of Defense judging that the higher performance lift fan system was worth the extra risk.
The loss of the JSF contract to Lockheed Martin in 2001 was a major blow to Boeing, as it represented the most important international fighter aircraft project since the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The production run of the F-35, as the JSF is now known, is estimated at anywhere between 3000 and 5000. Prior to the awarding of the contract many lawmakers pushed the idea of retaining the losing competitor as a sub-contractor, however the "winner takes all" principle was not changed.
Boeing views its investment in the X-32 as a strategic investment, yielding important technologies which it has been able to adopt in the F/A-18 Super Hornet and other studies.
Characteristics
- Powerplant:
- Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan rated at 35,000 lbf (155.7 kN) maximum thrust; military thrust classified, possibly about 26,300 lbf (117 kN).
- Size:
- Length: 15.47 m
- Height: 5.28 m
- Wingspan: 36 ft (10.97 m)
- Wing area: 590 ft² (54.8 m²)
- Weight:
- Empty: 10,900 kg
- Normal takeoff: 19,000 kg
- Maximum: 38,000 lb (17,200 kg)
- Speed:
- Maximum: Mach 1.6 at altitude
- Ceiling:
- Range:
- Ferry: ? km
- Wing loading: kg/m²
- Thrust/weight ratio:
- Armament:
guided weapons, anti-radiation missile, air-to-surface weapons, auxiliary fuel tanks
Related content
Template:Commons Related development:
Comparable aircraft:
See also:
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