With almost equivalent technical characteristics, the X-32 and F-35 are two lines of fighter aircraft that seem completely similar on design drawings. The X-32 is even an aircraft capable of Short takeoff and landing capabilities are superior to the F-35. However, unfortunately, America’s “fat” X-32 advanced fighter program could not defeat the prototype of the F-35 fighter to “win the right” to continue.

In the early 90s, Lockheed Martin had a great opportunity when asked by the Pentagon to develop an aircraft suitable for the needs of both the Air Force, Naval Air Force and Marine Corps. America. Three “customers”, three different requirements but surely the number of aircraft sold will be a record number, not to mention exports, as long as Lockheed Martin “meats” the three giants mentioned above, then This company also had huge profits.

However, the delicious piece cannot be eaten alone. Besides Lockheed Martin, there are many other aircraft manufacturers who want to join this contract for its profit. Even if you don’t have to calculate carefully, you will see that the profit is too big. One of the famous and reputable aircraft manufacturers with the US military at that time, Boeing, also participated in this bidding package and became a direct competitor to Lockheed Martin.

Boeing X-32, the aircraft that almost usurped the throne of the F-35. Image source: Wiki.

The Pentagon’s request at that time was to create a fighter that could meet the needs of both the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. Each version for each force may have a different design but must not exceed the original design too far. The Pentagon also calculates that it may take up to 20 years for this new aircraft to be born and requires a design that is superior to all 4th and 4.5th generation fighters the US currently owns. at that time.

Specifically, popular American fighters at that time included the F-15, F-16 in the Air Force, F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier in the Navy and Marine Corps. The US government requires that the next generation aircraft will need to have elements that surpass all of the names mentioned above. To achieve that, the military is ready to pour money.

The Boeing X-32 has a very unique design compared to other aircraft at that time. Photo source: Aircraft.

The last two designs placed on the scale are the two designs between the F-35 aircraft designed by Lockheed Martin and the Boeing X-32 aircraft on the other. These two designs have many strange similarities and caused the US Army to spend a lot of time choosing.

The X-32 version arouses more interest in the US Air Force than most, with lower design, testing and production costs, Boeing’s aircraft is completely suitable for all three forces including the Air Force, US Navy and Marine Corps. The X-32 aircraft is also capable of flying at a maximum speed equivalent to Mach 1.6, along with the ability to carry up to 6 AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles or two air-to-air missiles and two bombs in Weapons bunker inside the plane.

Boeing’s X-32 aircraft on the test runway. Image source: Wiki.

The X-32’s stealth capabilities are also emphasized. According to Boeing design experts, the designed to help it minimize the ability to reflect enemy radar waves.

Visually, the design of the Shape of the A-7 Corsair. When placed next to the F-35, it is clear that the X-32’s design does not have any “art”. Even many Boeing scientists who participated in the design of the The ugliest plane they’ve ever designed in their entire lives.

The X-32’s large, round, clunky design and very “unaesthetic” air intake are part of the reason the F-35 was chosen. Photo source: USAF.

The US Army’s future 5th generation fighter, the .8 square meters. The X-32 is equipped with an F110 P&W engine that allows it to take off with a maximum payload of about 17,200 kg. According to calculations by Boeing engineers, this “darling” aircraft of theirs is capable of carrying a maximum of 6.8 tons of weapons of all kinds including guided bombs, anti-radiation missiles, and air-to-air missiles. ground and auxiliary fuel tank.

In addition to looking too ugly and clunky, the Boeing X-32 also has a much weaker point than the F-35 when the US Army puts these two aircraft on the scale: the X-32 has a higher development cost. The development is too large, many times larger than the cost of completing the F-35. Perhaps Boeing engineers were too “honest” in declaring the development costs of the X-32 aircraft, leading to the US Army deciding to choose Lockheed Martin’s F-35 program.

The weapons compartment in the body of the X-32 is designed in a unique position. Photo source: Militaryaircraft.

It can be considered that the fate of the X-32 ended simply because of money problems, the X-32 project was then transferred to the US Defense Research and Development Agency as a reserve program, two aircraft X-32 cost about 800 million USD to be created for research.

Ironically, after being selected, Lockheed Martin’s F-35 project encountered too many problems with a series of problems arising, from technical problems to money problems. Although the US Army spent a lot of money, it was not until 2006 that the F-35 had its first successful test flight. Meanwhile, Boeing’s X-32 had its first successful test flight since 2000.

By the time it is considered complete, Lockheed Martin’s F-35 project has cost more than $1,500 billion in research and development. Perhaps the Pentagon’s scientists and financial experts made a huge mistake when choosing the F-35 program instead of the X-32 when, in comparison, the development cost of the F-35 was even It was even many times higher than the estimated cost of the original X-32 and its birth was delayed by half a decade.

Currently, the X-32 has been decorated and become an aircraft displayed in a museum, while the F-35 is making waves in the fighter aircraft market around the world despite its price. they are not pleasant at all. In addition, the F-35 is also considered by many experts to be the worst, most expensive and longest fighter aircraft program in the history of US and world military aviation.

Invite readers to watch the Video: Extremely rare footage of Boeing’s X-32 taking off on a short runway and landing vertically more gently than the current F-35. Source: Airsource.