The X-32 was redesigned for the final bid (lost the delta wing, redid the nose, and gained conventional horizontal stabs). Here is a couple of shots of the new config that lost the bid.
What would lead you to that conclusion? Boeing has ZERO stealth experience to draw on and no patents have been filed (like LM’s stealth coatings as part of structure) and it’s engine is buried deeper in the airframe.
The Navy changed their requirements for bring back weight which meant that a delta wing wasn’t suitable. The engineers originally wanted to keep the forward swept intake and include a Pelikan tail.
Boeing Phantom Works “Bird of Prey” project which ran from 1992 through 1999.
The Stovl version of X-32 failed to impress as compared to X-35, plus the X-35 design allowed for a massive radar which upped its chances in BVR
The X-32 would have been lighter and cheaper. It was more optimized for CTOL at the expense of STOVL. Does it make sense for the USAF and partner nations to buy an aircraft that was better for the Marine’s CAS STOVL requirement especially with the numbers the Marines are buying?
The F-35 actually has a small radome too.
The biggest RCS problem that the X-32 had was the exposed engine face. This would have required an inlet blocker of some sort.
X-32’s blocker.
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