Top 4 points: The Boeing X-32 competed with the Lockheed Martin X-35 for the title of the next Joint Strike Fighter, but ultimately lost.

-Boeing developed two prototypes, the X-32A and X-32B, which demonstrated speed, weapons capacity and takeoff/landing capabilities.

However, design changes and concerns about thrust and efficiency, as well as Lockheed’s single, versatile X-35 prototype, gave Lockheed the edge.

-Despite the loss, Boeing tacitly accepted the decision and later incorporated the lessons learned into other projects, such as the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet and the X-45A unmanned combat aircraft.

Why Boeing’s X-32 lost to Lockheed’s F-35

Years ago, both the Boeing X-32 and the Lockheed Martin X-35 battled for the right to become the next Joint Strike Fighter. As history shows, Boeing lost to the Lockheed Martin F-35. However, the rivalry between the two aircraft may have improved the design and performance of the F-35 Lighting II.

Should Boeing have built two X-32 prototypes?

Boeing had two demonstration models – the X-32A and the X-32B. Both flew on over 140 test flights in 2000 and 2001. They demonstrated their speed of Mach 1.6, aerial refueling capability, and a side weapons bay that could accommodate six air-to-air missiles. The X-32 originally had a delta wing, but this design was later scrapped in favor of a planned conventional wing design for the final F-32, although the new wing model existed only on paper and in models. The need to change the wing design later hurt Boeing’s demonstration models in competition.

Boeing had a chance

There were also improvements to the nose design and cockpit canopy. The X-32B was capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings, while the X-32A could perform conventional takeoffs and landings and had carrier approach characteristics for the Navy. The prototypes had a “chin intake” to improve their speed. Chin intakes also direct more air to the turbine, resulting in better maneuverability at high angles of attack. The X-32 prototypes showed the Department of Defense early on that the Boeing model was operational and would likely be easier to manufacture with a less complex design.

Lockheed only had one prototype

Alternatively, the single Lockheed Martin demonstrator could perform both conventional takeoff and landing and vertical takeoff and landing, a key requirement for the competition between Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Boeing promised that the final F-32 would be able to do both, but the Lockheed Martin X-35 had the advantage of already having the ability to take off and land.

The X-32A and X-32B weighed 50,000 pounds and there were concerns within the Department of Defense that they would not have the same thrust as the X-35. Boeing was also late in the wing design. Using two prototypes was also less efficient since there was only one demonstrator for the X-35.

Boeing quietly went out of business after the loss

Ultimately, Boeing lost the competition. Notably, the company did not sue the U.S. Department of Defense for unfair competition, nor did it offer much opposition to the decision. The defense contractor later said it had used research and development results from the X-32A and X-32B to support the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet program, and stealth characteristics had helped develop the concept for the X-45A unmanned combat aircraft.

About the author: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood

Brent M. EastwoodPhD, is author of People, machines and data: future trends in warfareHe is an expert on emerging threats and a former infantry officer in the US Army.