The X-32’s design focused heavily on stealth capabilities and speed, placing it firmly within the fifth-generation family of fighter aircraft. Beyond that, Boeing focused on simplicity.

Not every experimental jet fighter made by the U.S. military would go on to reach production, for any number of reasons.

Boeing developed the X-32 as a technology demonstrator for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) competition. The JSF contract, of course, went to the Lockheed Martin X-35, which has since become the ...