Boeing Unveils Both X-32 JSF Demonstration Aircraft
PALMDALE, Calif., Dec. 14, 1999 -- Thousands of employees, suppliers and customers around the world today watched as Boeing unveiled not one -- but both -- of its X-32 concept demonstrators for the Joint Strike Fighter program.
Boeing surprised observers by introducing its X-32B model along with the X-32A. The X-32B was started three months after work began on the A-model. The company will use both aircraft to demonstrate certain requirements for the operational JSF.
The X-32 aircraft symbolize how affordable military aircraft will be designed and built in the 21st century.
Boeing credited its team of employees, suppliers and customer officials -- which it calls the "JSF One Team" -- for their success in keeping the X-32s on track for first flight next spring and summer, respectively. One Team members also were commended for their financial and technical performance throughout the Boeing JSF program.
"This is a great day," said Boeing Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Phil Condit. "It's about people and processes. The JSF One Team is the future. This is a day that's about a design more efficient than anything done before. It's about international cooperation. It's about affordable products, lean manufacturing and first-time quality. It's about complete solutions. The Boeing JSF is the 21st-century tactical fighter."
"We have made lean design and manufacturing a reality on the JSF program," said Frank Statkus, Boeing vice president and JSF general manager. "Our One Team members have used innovation and dedication to demonstrate the benefits of being lean. Seeing is believing, and our customer has seen what we can do."
Col. Michael Poore, Joint Program Office X-32 program manager, said the Joint Strike Fighter will help America and its allies "continue to hear the sound of freedom well into the next century." The program, he said, has validated affordability, and he commended the JSF One Team for its commitment and tenacity.
"Today the X-32 concept demonstrator has taken an important first step toward proving that the job can be done," he said.
An estimated 5,500 One Team members watched the ceremony as it was broadcast live via satellite and Webcast to Boeing, supplier and customer sites throughout the United States and in Great Britain and The Netherlands.
The X-32 concept demonstrators will meet the JSF program's three concept-demonstration objectives: 1) demonstrate commonality across the variants, including design/build processes; 2) demonstrate the Boeing direct-lift propulsion concept for short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) hover and transition; and 3) demonstrate low-speed carrier approach flying qualities.
Specifically, the X-32A will demonstrate conventional takeoff and landing for the U.S. Air Force and carrier approach flying qualities for the U.S. Navy. The X-32B will demonstrate STOVL requirements for the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.K. Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.
Boeing is competing to build the JSF under a four-year U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps concept demonstration contract, while also defining the design for the operational JSF. A competition winner is scheduled to be selected in 2001.
Boeing is the world's largest producer of fighter aircraft.
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Mike Tull
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