X-32A Boeing Joint Strike Fighter

In 1990 the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) launched the Common Affordable Lightweight Fighter project (CALF). Around the same time the Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST) project was started. In 1994 the Congress of the United States ordered the two to be merged into the Joint Strike Fighter project.

Many companies took part in the first phase of this project, which involved drafting concept aircraft designs for submission to the Department of Defense. However only Boeing and Lockheed Martin were awarded contracts, allowing them to produce two of their concept aircraft each. Under the contract, these fighters were required to demonstrate Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL), carrier take off and landing (CV version), and Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL). They were also expected to include ground demonstrations of a production representative aircraft's systems, such as the Preferred Weapon System Concept (PWSC). McDonnell Douglas, having failed to proceed in the project, joined the Boeing team.

The X-32 (also known as the "Fugly Fighter" or the "Ugly Duckling") featured a large chin mounted air intake and a large one piece wing, neither of which contributed to the sleek, awe-inspiring look expected from a high tech fighter. This "gape-mouthed" design earned the aircraft the alternate nickname "Monica." The first flight of the X-32A (designed for CTOL and carrier trials) took place in September 2000, from Boeing's Palmdale plant to Edwards Air Force Base. The X-32B demonstrated STOVL flight, first flying in March 2001. The X-32 achieved STOVL flight in much the same way as the Harrier, i.e. thrust vectoring.

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