So if the X-32 became the F-32 would it be the SLUF II Image Unavailable, Please Login or TURD Truly Repulsive Ugly Design ?
SLUF is too kind for that monstrosity; TURD is more suitable. While the LM design may have won on technical merit, I still think that appearance entered into the decision as well. Fighter pilots would have puked at the sight of an "F-32".
Mickey-D's final design for the F-32 looked considerably prettier than the prototype by Boeing Seattle. Much better legs than the F-35, too. Chubby fuselages hold a lot of fuel. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
That was part of the problem with the Boeing design: after building it, they discovered it didn't work as well as they expected, mandating the extensive redesign. Clearly the DoD didn't like that. You'll also note that Boeing had to do their VSTOL work at Pax River, near sea level, while LM was able to do theirs in the CA desert, where it was hotter and higher. Boeing's VSTOL setup was basically warmed-over Harrier technology, which was less risky but also less effective. This was less ugly than the prototype, but still no beauty.
Thanks. I didn't know what that meant either. It was this guy for others curious: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robb_Kulin I applied for Group 21 (not 22 like that guy) and was rejected first time around. I still have the official rejection letter and envelope. I need to get around to framing it and applying to Group 23 next time around.
This guy formerly worked at SpaceX. SpaceX now has a funded, manned lunar orbit mission profile in the works. Maybe they need lured him back?
