Scale: 1/48
Wingspan: 12.75"
Length: 8.5"
Code: CX32TR

The Boeing X-32 was a multi-purpose jet fighter in the Joint Strike Fighter contest. It lost to the Lockheed Martin X-35 demonstrator which was further developed into the F-35 Lightning II.  The X-32 featured a large chin-mounted air intake akin to the F-8 Crusader and A-7 Corsair and a large one piece carbon fiber composite wing. The large intake did not contribute to a sleek look expected from a high-tech fighter. The wing was trapezoidal, spanning 9.15 meters, with a 55 degree leading edge sweep and could hold up to 20,000 pounds of fuel. The purpose of the high sweep angle was to allow for a thick wing section to be used while still providing limited transonic drag and to provide a good angle for wing-installed antenna equipment.

The first flight of the X-32A (designed for CTOL and carrier trials) took place on 18 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 AV-8B Harrier II with thrust vectoring of the jet and fan exhaust. The Lockheed Martin team used a riskier alternative, a shaft-driven lift fan powered by the main engine which was designed to generate more thrust than possible with only direct exhaust gases. A successful design would have greater payload, and thus longer range than a simple thrust vectored turbofan. Flight testing of both companies' aircraft continued until July 2001.