Boeing developed the X-32 as a technology demonstrator for the Joint Strike Fighter competition.

Most aircraft incorporate features that qualify as conventionally attractive. Sometimes that tendency is the result of an intentional decision; sometimes it is the byproduct of necessity, i.e., the need to adhere to aerodynamic principles. Regardless, the end result is usually something attractive, if not outright gorgeous—which is why the Boeing X-32, arguably the ugliest fighter ever developed, stood apart so starkly from the field.

An Ugly Duckling

Boeing developed the X-32 as a technology demonstrator for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) competition. The JSF contract, of course, went to the Lockheed Martin X-35, which has since become the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Now here’s a question: did the X-32’s ugliness help decide the JSF competition in the X-35’s favor? Possibly, to an extent, on a subconscious level.

The X-32 has been described as a jet that only its mother could love, in reference to the jet’s ungainly appearance. What makes the X-32 so unusual looking? First and foremost, the air intake. Rather than circular or square or rectangular, rather than resembling anything remotely conventional, the X-32’s air intake looks mouth-like, wide and with a protruding lower lip. The design may be functional—but it’s not pretty. Relatedly, the X-32’s fuselage is unusually low-set and wide. Whereas most fighters feature sleek, elegant fuselages, the X-32’s fuselage is bulbous. The overall effect, between air intake and fuselage, is that the jet resembles something like a whale shark—a beautiful creature, certainly, but not attractive in aviation terms. Lastly, the X-32 features a delta wing, which enhances the perception that the jet is dense, wide, and ungainly.

Losing the Bid

Ostensibly, the primary reason the X-32 lost the JSF bid is related to its short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) performance. The problem with the X-32 was that when operating in STOVL configuration at a low altitude, the hot air from the exhaust circulated back into the main engine, which weakened the engine’s thrust and caused the engine to overheat—a performance degradation that was potentially dangerous.

The loss of the JSF contract marked a significant setback for Boeing, as the JSF contract was estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,000 units, with exports made to allies all over the world. Indeed, the JSF contract was the most numerous fighter production contract since the Lightweight Fighter program, a generation prior, which led to the production of the F-16 and the F/A-18.

Having lost the JSF bid, only two X-32s were ever built. The first, X-32A, is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Ohio. X-32A was recently restored after being allowed to deteriorate outside for several years. The second jet, X-32B, suffered a similar fate, being displayed outdoors at Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, where it has also suffered deterioration.

In the end, the JSF winner took all, relegating the odd-looking X-32 to the peripheries of aviation history.

About the Author: Harrison Kass

Harrison Kass is a senior defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.

Image: USAF, Public Domain

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