The difference between the vertical lift systems of the X-32 and the F-35

The Boeing X-32 was a prototype aircraft developed by Boeing to compete in the Joint Strike Fighter program, but lost the X-35 from Lockheed Martin.

One of the main requirements was for the fighter to be capable of short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL), with the aim of replacing models such as the F-16, the F/A-18 and the AV-8B Harrier II. However, the STOVL was only one of the factors evaluated for the selection of the winner.

Contest participants were asked to design a demonstrator that could perform standard takeoffs (for the US Air Force), carrier landings (for the US Navy), and short takeoffs and landings direct landing (for US Marines). All this had to be shown with only two air vehicles. It was not necessary, however, to remove directly.

Ward Carrol, a former fighter pilot F-14 Tomcatpresents an informative channel on YouTube. According to the United States Naval Institute, Carroll flew F-14 Tomcats for fifteen years after graduating from the Naval Academy. He received Author of the Year in 2001 for his novel Punk war and he is also the author of it Punk fight y Punk shield.

In a recent episode of his channel, Carrol spoke with Phil “Rowdy” Yates, a former teammate and chief test pilot of the X-32 during the demonstration phase of the Joint Strike Fighter program. Yates explained the details of the program and compared the problems facing Boeing of Lockheed’s X-35. In addition, he addressed the differences in the STOVL design of the two aircraft.

Regarding the X-32, Yates said: “Boeing’s design essentially used the Harrier design and redirected the main thrust of the engine with some thrust posts. We called them ‘outboard wingtips’ to provide the control we needed there. So, the Boeing design was very much an updated design of the Harrier. “

Rolls-Royce: the only current supplier of STOVL technology for supersonic aircraft

Currently, the British contractor is the only company producing STOVL technology for supersonic aircraft Rolls-Royce. Both Boeing and Lockheed Martin turned to this company to help build their prototypes, the X-32 and X-35, respectively.

Design is a X-32 the Boeing He prioritized simplicity. This aircraft featured a single-engine Rolls-Royce cycle, which allowed it to perform both normal flights and vertical lift. The intention of this procedure was to significantly reduce the number maintenance costs of the plane.

Regarding the Boeing X-32 showthe first flight was made September 2000. This prototype was designed as a an experimental stealth combat demonstrator and two units were produced: the X-32A and the X-32B. These planes can be found in the National Museum of the United States Air Force and in the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.

he is Harrieraircraft that also uses STOVL technology, driven by an engine Rolls-Royce Pegasus. According to the manufacturer, this engine offers “full-stop and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, eliminating the need for conventional runways.” Although the Harriers are still being used by the Marines, they are progressing positive withdrawal.

Lockheed X-35 surpassed Boeing X-32 in stealth fighter development

Design is a Lockheed X-35 It was considered much more advanced than the Boeing one, as Rowdy said. In his words, “Lockheed’s design was much more technologically advanced. I call it the ’17 miracles’ that had to happen for that flight to proceed. “To Lockheed’s credit, they all happened efficiently and safely.”

he is LiftFan direct from Lockheed was one of the main advances. Rowdy explained: “Its main driver is the vertical LiftFan, a 48 inch diameter LiftFan very close to the pilot’s head, right behind him. This would rotate when the doors were opened and redirect cold air from above the plane down, providing the thrust needed to stay aloft.”

he is Lockheed Martin X-35 demonstrator made his first flight in October 2000. This aircraft was designed as a an experimental stealth combat demonstratormaking two units: X-35A/B and X-35C. Currently, the planes can be seen in the National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and in the Patuxent Naval and Air Museum.

he is LiftFanmanufactured by Rolls-Royce, generating a thrust of 20,000 lbf. This system allowed the F-35B was a combined capacity of short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) of 40,000 lbs.

It was one of the “17 miracles” that Rowdy referred to X-35 nozzle machinewhich was spinning down. According to him, the nozzle design was a copy of a Russian (Soviet) system. This nozzle double pivot It could turn in two directions to redirect the engine directly.

That was not only the most important thing Lock-stand he came up with a new design, but it was much more than that Boeing. Rowdy recalled: “One of the big problems that arose was that the Boeing design was not going to be able to do the short vertical landing exercise… [Base de la Fuerza Aérea en California]. “They needed to take their STOVL plane to the Patuxent River, where the air was a little denser at sea level, which would allow them to create more thrust and enough margin of safety to make sure the plane could move.”

While Boeing I needed an environment with closer air, Lock-stand He not only passed Edwards’ tests, he passed them. Related Rowdy: “Lockheed conducted a very interesting experiment and it was well received. In fact, they took off right at Edwards, accelerated to supersonic speed, and came back landing right in the denser air at Edwards. “