Originally Posted by
Paying Guest
True, the X-32 was essentially an updated version of the Harrier concept, but it was seriously out-performed by the X-35 - hence it was even less impressive than the X-35.
I've not found any documented evaluations, but the X-32 was clearly nowhere near ready for showtime, irrespective of the F-35s qualities.
The images of the X-32 attempting VTOL stripped of even the chin air intake duct to reduce the airframe weight really showed that 'the emperor (Boeing) had no clothes'.