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People have suggested that the X32 was not chosen by the air force (instead of the chosen F22) because of ugliness. Note: I don't know if this is true or not,
by zizee 3y ago
People have suggested that the X32 was not chosen by the air force (instead of the chosen F22) because of ugliness.
Note: I don't know if this is true or not, and I don't know the performance capabilities of each aircraft.
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/meet-2-stealth-fighters-almost-replaced-f-22-and-f-35-100682 https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/meet-2-stealth-fighte...
- throwup238 3y agoThe X32 lost to the X35 (which became F35), not the F22 Raptor. The X32 performed worse in range/payload capacity, Boeing had lots of difficulties developing STOVL on the platform, the delta wing design was less efficient, and Lockheed was still riding high on its success with the F22 program (which no one has really bothered competing with decades later) so it's unlikely that aesthetics were the deciding factor.
- bloopernova 3y agoSlight nitpick: The X32 competed with the now-F35. The YF23 lost to the F22. I still think the YF23 is utterly gorgeous and I wish it had been put into service. EDIT: beaten to the comment by 3 minutes. Oh my poor pedantic soul.
- iamthirsty 3y ago> I still think the YF23 is utterly gorgeous and I wish it had been put into service. It is, but so is the F-22 and because it was a one or the other choice, I personally like the direction they went.