Recently, the U.S. Air Force Museum is busy with a high-profile project to restore the Boeing X-32 demonstrator that was involved in the JSF program and turn it into an important exhibit for the public to enjoy.
Behind the JSF project lies a gripping story that deserves to be savored.
The story dates back to the early 90s, when the U.S. Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency launched a technology verification program to develop advanced vertical short take-off and landing technology.
This project attracted the attention of the largest American industry giants, because they knew that such a verification project could likely become the basis for actual equipment in the future.
In the bidding, major companies have put forward their own technical solutions, and fierce competition has begun.
Boeing's X-32 features an upgraded version of the Harrier-style design in an effort to stand out from the crowd.
However, the competition was fierce, and Loma won with a shaft-driven lift fan solution.
The decision sparked a backlash from Boeing, which insisted that its solution was the only proven and proven one.
In the midst of the ups and downs of the debate, the Senate made a decision to reassess.
Boeing and Northrop were re-shortlisted, but on limited terms, with Boeing having to fund half of the project on its own. The decision reignited the spark of competition, and the four companies began a new round of competition.
In the end, Loma won with its lift fan solution. However, the X-35 program also faced many challenges in its subsequent development, mainly the weight of the lift fan.
This became one of the reasons for the continuous overrunning of the project budget.
Boeing's X-32 made its first flight in 2000 and became the only experimental prototype of the JSF project.
However, the X-35 had a performance and technical advantage and ultimately won. Despite the fact that the X-32 met the design requirements during test flights, it was the loser due to the merciless verdict of history.
Today, the efforts of the U.S. Air Force Museum have brought the X-32 back to its glory and display to the public. This also led people to think about whether Boeing's X-32 program had potential for development in terms of technology, and perhaps became a source of inspiration for some equipment in the future.