The X-32 is a technology demonstrator which was designed for the Joint Strike Fighter program. It was manufactured and
designed by Boeing. Two have been built: the X-32A, the demonstrator for CTOL and carrier operations, and the X-32B, which was used for STOVL demonstrations.
Description[]
The X-32 is a stealthy aircraft, which lost the Joint Strike Fighter competition against Lockheed´s X-35, because the X-35 was more agile and it has a more conventional design, which would make it cheaper to produce . The X-32 has a special design, especially it's great intake and the high sweep angle wings. The engine is installed directly behind the cockpit, ahead of the center of gravity. This is not often seen on a fighter, however. The X-35 however, is a smaller, slower and cheaper than the F-22.
Notes[]
- The X-32 at one point had to undergo a re-design because the Navy had refined its requirments. The delta-wing style fell short of the new requirments, and a conventional tail design was chosen for production aircraft. This design however was too late to be incorperated into the original design, so both demonstraters kept the delta-wing style.
- The X-32 often suffered from "breathing" hot air exhaust into the engine while in vertical takoff and landing (VTOL) mode. This resulted in a poor power output, and engine overheating.
Current Locations[]
- The X-32A is currently located int the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.
- The X-32B was transferred to Patuxent River National Air Museum in St.Mary's County, Maryland in 2005.
Details[]
- Length: 45.01 ft
- Wingspan: 36 ft
- Wing area: 590 ft
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.6 (1,200 mph)
- Range on USAF (United States Air Force) mission profile: 850 nmi/1,574 km
- Range on USN (United States Navy) mission profile: 750 nmi/1,389 km
- Range on USMC/RN (United States Marine Corps/ Royal Navy) mission profile: 600 nmi/1,112 km
- No wing fold
- First flight: Sept. 18, 2000
Gallery[]
