X-32 JSF
This model is of the X-32A, one of the planes that was in the recent competition for the Joint Strike Fighter, or JSF. The DOD wanted a smaller stealth plane that could be used in the different services, thus cutting costs. There would actually be slightly different versions for the different services, but they would have a huge amount of identical parts and reduced development costs, so overall the cost of all three versions would be less than three separate planes. As with the ATF program (YF-22/YF-23), there were two planes. This one, put simply, is the loser.
Boeing had problems with making the prototype, and the plane ended up not doing all they had hoped for, so it's not really a surprise that they lost. It was too heavy, and the system they used for vertical flight had some problems. They also took some risks with some of the manufacturing process which ended up biting them later. Boeing has the C-17 contract, so they can't really complain to much.
The model was a Italeri model, and was pretty straight forward to build. The detail was decent, and the fit was good too. I didn't have much of a problem anywhere in building the model. It's a pretty small one, but that's ok. It looks good next to the other stealth planes that I have built so far.
Painting and Decals
The paint scheme for this one is straight off the instructions. It's makes the plane look just like all the pictures I have of it, so I'd recomend following them. For some reason, Boeing didn't paint any flashy logos on their plane so the plane looks pretty plain. Well, as plain delta winged stealth fighter that can take off vertically can look, I guess.
I don't really have much to say about this one. These straight from the box models are pretty dull compared to the kit bashing ones I have done. You can only do so much kit bashing before you need a break, though. This model was the first that broke me of my Star Trek stretch.
I'll have to put this on in the 'losers' section of the stealth line. I may expand the 'losers' line to include some of the other prototypes that didn't make it. There are a few out there.
