Boeing personnel installed a flight-rated STOVL propulsion system on the X-32B JSF demostrator in less than 4 h
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A series of tests for the X-32's short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) propulsion system have been completed by the Boeing Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) One Team. More than 220 transitions between conventional and STOVL operating modes were completed. All performance and operability testing, as well as control-law development, has been completed. The test program also is confirming that the JSF direct-lift system performs within acceptable ground-effects thresholds. The final phase of the test program involves durability testing.
The system has accumulated more than 200 h of STOVL test time during which it demonstrated its stability and responsiveness during the most aggressive pitch, yaw, and roll commands. Performance during hover attitude control and stall recovery tests also met or exceeded predicted results.
Many transitions between vertical and conventional flight modes of the X-32 were accomplished with Pratt & Whitney's JSF119-614 engine running at full power. The system met Boeing's goal of performing transitions in 1 and 3 s.
A flight-rated STOVL engine was installed July 12 in the X-32B concept demonstrator, which is scheduled to fly later this year. The installation of the system was performed in less than 4 h by Boeing personnel - the second time in three months the team accomplished this feat. "Customers will be able to remove or install the engine of an operational Boeing JSF as easily as we did," said Steve Kyle, Boeing JSF Propulsion Director.
Each Boeing JSF demonstrator - the X-32A and X-32B - has had flight-ready propulsion systems installed.
Frank Bokulich
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Aerospace Engineering September 2000
