Boeing X-32

Boeing · United States · first flew 2000 · fighter

The Boeing X-32 was one of two competing demonstrators in the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) competition, ultimately losing to the Lockheed Martin X-35 that became the F-35. It featured an unconventional delta wing and large chin intake.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, delta
E — Engines	1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	13.72 m fuselage
T — Tail	No tailplane

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Spot it by:

JSF technology demonstrator with a large lower lip chin intake and no conventional tail
Delta wing with no horizontal tail surfaces and a drooped nose lip intake
Distinctive bulbous chinned intake immediately under the cockpit

Unmistakable among modern fighters for its enormous chin intake stretching the full width of the nose, tailless delta wing, and generally rotund fuselage; the inlet design was driven by the direct-lift STOVL requirement.

Specifications

The Boeing X-32 has a length of 13.72 m (45 ft).
It has a wingspan of 10.97 m (36 ft).
Its maximum speed is 1931 km/h (1200 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Boeing developed two X-32 demonstrators—one for conventional and carrier landing, one for short take-off and vertical landing—which flew from 2000. The X-32's unconventional approach included a direct-lift STOVL system and a large fixed delta wing, but the design ultimately lost the JSF selection.

Variants

Two demonstrators were built: X-32A (CTOL/CV) and X-32B (STOVL); neither led to production.

Where you'll see it

Evaluated by the US DoD in the JSF competition; both aircraft are preserved as museum exhibits in the United States.

Related aircraft

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