Ostensibly, the primary reason the X-32 lost the JSF bid is related to its short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) performance. The problem with the X-32 was that when operating in STOVL ...

However, the X-32's Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) system proved less efficient than Lockheed's lift-fan design. -Ultimately, the X-35 outperformed the X-32 in stealth and supersonic ...