PUBLISHED on August 9, 2025, 8:42 AM EDT – Key Points and Summary – In a hypothetical showdown between Boeing’s experimental X-32 stealth prototype and Russia’s Su-57 Felon, the Russian jet would win decisively.
-The X-32, which lost the Joint Strike Fighter competition to the F-35, was hobbled by significant design compromises.
-Its direct-lift STOVL system and large chin intake compromised its stealth and agility, and its overall performance in speed and range was inferior.
-The Su-57, while flawed, is a far more mature and capable platform, holding clear advantages in speed, maneuverability, stealth, and weapons systems that the X-32 could not overcome.
Boeing X-32 vs. Su-57 Felon: Who Wins?
The Boeing X-32 was an experimental prototype stealth fighter designed to compete in the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) competition against the Lockheed Martin X-35. The aircraft incorporated several interesting design choices, but ultimately lost out to the F-35.
But what if the X-32 had been chosen instead?
Had it entered into service, it would find itself against the best aircraft that the U.S.’ adversaries can muster.
The Su-57, for example, is the best aircraft that Russia currently has to offer. But which fighter wins in a fight? Based on the objective data, it becomes abundantly clear that the Air Force made the right call when choosing the F-35.
The X-32 vs. the Su-57 Felon
The X-32 was designed to meet the needs of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps through a single, versatile aircraft. It was Boeing’s entry into the JSF competition, which ultimately resulted in the selection of Lockheed Martin’s X-35, later developed into the F-35 Lightning II.
The X-32 featured a delta wing design and a large chin-mounted air intake. It was built with cost-effective manufacturing in mind and emphasized modularity. However, its direct-lift system for short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) compromised both stealth and agility. The aircraft’s design was not as refined in terms of stealth shaping compared to its competitor, and only two prototypes were ever built.
In contrast, the Sukhoi Su-57 was developed under Russia’s PAK FA program to replace aging fourth-generation fighters like the MiG-29 and Su-27. It entered limited service in 2020 and continues to evolve with upgrades to its engines, avionics, and weapons systems. The Su-57 features a blended wing-body design with canted tail fins and internal weapon bays, prioritizing both stealth and supermaneuverability.
Its twin-engine configuration and thrust-vectoring nozzles allow for exceptional agility, and its stealth characteristics, while not as advanced as those of Western fighters like the F-22 or F-35, it is still a significant advance in Russian Aerospace engineering.
Performance and Avionics
When comparing engine performance metrics, the Su-57 outclasses the X-32.
The Su-57 can reach speeds of Mach 2.0+, has a range of approximately 1,900 nautical miles, and a service ceiling of around 65,000 feet. It is powered by two AL-41F1 engines, each producing about 35,000 pounds of thrust.
The X-32, on the other hand, was limited to Mach 1.6, had a shorter range of around 600 to 850 nautical miles, and a lower service ceiling of roughly 50,000 feet. Its single engine produced about 43,000 pounds of thrust, but the overall performance was constrained by its design and the compromises made to accommodate STOVL capabilities.
Avionics and sensor systems are slightly harder to judge. The X-32, being a prototype, was not equipped with operational radar or electronic warfare systems. Its primary purpose was to demonstrate flight characteristics rather than combat readiness. We can assume its avionics and systems would have been comparable to the F-35, which puts it at an advantage over the Su-57, though we cannot prove this.
The Su-57, however, is equipped with the N036 Byelka active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, infrared search and track (IRST) systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and sensor fusion technologies. These systems enable the Su-57 to track multiple targets and engage in network-centric warfare.
Stealth and Armaments
Stealth and survivability are also areas where the Su-57 holds a clear advantage. While the X-32 incorporated some stealth features, such as radar-absorbing materials and basic shaping, its large chin intake and exposed engine compressor blades significantly compromised its radar signature. Additionally, the prototype lacked internal weapon bays, further reducing its stealth effectiveness.
The Su-57’s stealth suite includes internal bays, angular shaping, and radar-absorbing coatings that make it far more survivable in contested environments. Many have criticized the Su-57 for being less stealthy than other fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 or F-35, but in this hyper specific scenario, it is the superior option.
In terms of armament, the X-32 was planned to carry a 20mm M61A2 cannon, up to six AIM-120 AMRAAMs, and two guided bombs internally, with external hardpoints for additional ordnance. However, these capabilities were never fully realized due to the aircraft’s cancellation.
The Su-57, on the other hand, possess twice the carrying capacity when using external hardpoints and is equipped with a wider array of weapons. These include R-77-1 and R-73 air-to-air missiles, KH-59MK2 cruise missiles, and even hypersonic weapons like the Kinzhal. It can perform air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship missions, and can be integrated with the Okhotnik loyal wingman drone for enhanced battlefield coordination.
In 4 Words: The Su-57 Felon Wins
In a hypothetical combat scenario between the two aircraft, the Su-57 would probably win decisively. The X-32 unfortunately lacks the technological maturity, performance, and combat systems necessary to compete with its Russian counterpart.
The Su-57’s superior speed, range, maneuverability, stealth, sensors, and weapons systems would allow it to detect, engage, and destroy the X-32 before the latter could pose any serious threat. To be fair to the X-32, we don’t know what the internal electronics would have looked like so there is a chance that it could win in a long-range BVR engagement if it blindsided the Su-57.
The X-32 was a bold attempt at creating a next-generation fighter, but its design compromises and lack of refinement ultimately led to its rejection in favor of the X-35. Don’t get me wrong, the Su-57 has a myriad of flaws and is severely hampered by its slow rate of production.
However, in this very specific hypothetical situation, the Su-57 is undoubtedly the superior option.
About the Author:
Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
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