Boeing X-32

The experimental fighter built to compete in the Joint Strike Fighter program.

Overview

Boeing United States ICAO: X32 1996–2001 $70 million

The Boeing X-32 was developed as a demonstrator for the Joint Strike Fighter competition. Designed to meet multirole and short takeoff requirements, it competed against the Lockheed Martin X-35. The program resulted in only prototype aircraft.

Live Fleet Activity (X32)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Pratt & Whitney JSF-119-PW-614
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
42,000 lbf · 187 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
50 ft 9 in  ·  15.47 m
Tail height
17 ft 4 in  ·  5.28 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
36 ft 0 in  ·  10.97 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
60,000 lb  ·  27,200 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
18,000 lb  ·  8,150 kg
Fuel capacity
2,550 gal · 9,600 L · 7,700 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
1,080 kt  ·  1,243 mph  ·  2,000 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
850 nm  ·  980 mi  ·  1,570 km
Fuel burn
0.59 nm/gal  ·  0.29 km/L
Ceiling
50,000 ft  ·  15,200 m
Rate of climb
—
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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The Boeing Joint Strike Fighter X-32B

Live fleet activity details

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Operational Context

Boeing X-32 — Joint Strike Fighter demonstrator

The X-32 first flew in 2000 as part of the JSF competition. It featured a distinctive large intake and delta wing configuration. Two variants were built to demonstrate conventional and short takeoff capabilities.

Powered by a Pratt & Whitney F119 derivative engine producing approximately 35,000 pounds of thrust (156 kN) with afterburner, the X-32 achieved supersonic flight. Maximum takeoff weight for the demonstrator was approximately 50,000 pounds (22,700 kg). The aircraft carried internal and external weapon provisions for testing.

Following evaluation, the X-32 was not selected for production. The program nevertheless contributed data to future fighter development. It remains a notable chapter in modern combat aircraft competition history.

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