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Boeing X-32 (JSF)

Type
Experimental prototype for new strike fighter (Versuchsmuster für einen neuen Jagdbomber)

Country (Land)
USA

Manufacturer (Hersteller)
Boeing Military Airplanes (Boeing Defense & Space Group)
PO Box 3707
Seattle, Washington 98124
USA

Phone: 001-206/655-1198
Fax: 001-206/655-7012

Boeing has enlisted McDonnell Douglas for help on the development programme, regardless of the outcome of merger talks. Also, British Aerospace is targeted as a partner.

General (Allgemeine Angaben)
Crew (Besatzung): 1

Weapons (Bewaffnung): The X-32 JSF has two side fuselage weapons bays for the carriage of two 450 kg bombs and two AIM-120C AMRAAMS. Growth capability for two 900 kg bombs and the AMRAAMs. External hardpoints are provided for non-stealthy missions. Internal 20 mm gun.

Power plant (Antrieb): 1 x Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan (SE614 derivative with scaled-up fan and additional low-pressure turbine stage). Rectangular nozzle with pitch vectoring capability.
Thrust (Schub): 1 x ca. 155 kN maximum. For short take-offs and vertical landings, thrust is redirected through two swivelling nozzles in the center of gravity (à la Harrier)

Dimensions (Abmessungen)
Length (Länge): 13,6 m
Span (Spannweite): 11,0 m (9,15 m in the STOVL variant)
Wing area: 55 sq m

Weights (Massen)
Empty weight (Leermasse): around 10200 kg (11100 for the carrier version)
Fuel (Kraftstoff): more than 6800 kg (7700 kg for the carrier version)
External weapons load (Waffenzuladung): 5000 kg or 5450 kg (carrier version)
Max. take-off weigth (Max. Startmasse): around 22700 kg (27200 kg for carrier version)

Performance (Flugleistungen)
Max. speed (max. Fluggeschwindigkeit): around Mach 1.5
Range (Reichweite): US Navy demands 1100 km range with two 900 kg bombs. Boeing claims 600 NM (1100 km) radius of action for all variants.

Customers (Kunden)
Two demonstrators will be built under Pentagon contract. According to the latest Quadrennial Defence Review, potential customer needs are:

US Air Force: 1763
US Marine Corps: 609 (STOVL)
US Navy: 480 (carrier capable version)
Royal Navy (UK): 60 (STOVL)

Costs (Kosten)
661,8 million US-Dollar contract for 51 month concept demonstration programme awarded 16. November 1996.
Target unit flyaway costs are 31-38 million US-Dollars for the carrier version, 30-35 million for the STOVL-variant and 28 million for the conventional JSF without additional lift system (Fiscal 1994 dollars).

Competitors (Konkurrenz)
Lockheed Martin X-35

Remarks (Bemerkungen)
In November 1996, Boeing and Lockheed Martin were downselected over McDonnell Douglas for the further development of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), which may serve US Air Force, US Navy and US Marine Corps (plus export customers) from the end of the next decade. The aim is to replace a whole spectrum of aircraft like F-16, A-6, F-14, F-18, Sea Harrier with minimal modifications to a basic type to save costs.
Two prototypes will be built, representing both conventional, carrier-capable and STOVL-versions. First flight is expected in March 1999, with the STOVL-variant follwing two months later. Bids for full manufacturing development are planned for 2000, with a single team selected in 2001 to build around 2850 JSFs for the US forces alone. Exact figures fluctuate and will continue to do so through the various defence reviews.

Last updated June 9, 1997

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