Rolls-Royce Lift as Boeing Completes JSF Flight Test Targets

    LONDON, July 4 Specialist direct lift components made by
Rolls-Royce have played a key role in helping Boeing to complete all the
government-defined flight test requirements of its Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
demonstrator aircraft.
    The X-32B concept demonstrator has validated the Boeing solution to the
JSF programme's STOVL (short take-off vertical landing) requirements.  The
Boeing JSF One Team, of which Rolls-Royce is a member, and the X-32B's lift
system in particular came in for praise from Frank Statkus, Boeing Vice
President and JSF General Manager.
    Mr. Statkus said:  "In 58 flights to date, the X-32B has consistently
demonstrated that our direct-lift system is the simplest, most reliable and
lowest-risk solution for the STOVL requirement.  The propulsion system has
been key to the success of X-32B operations.  The Rolls-Royce lift system
clearly is a substantial leap forward in direct-lift technology.
    "Pilot workload has been reduced significantly thanks in large part to the
technologically advanced attitude control system."
    Colin Green, Rolls-Royce President -- Defence Aerospace, said:  "This
achievement means that Boeing has proven the STOVL capabilities of the X-32B.
We have been working as part of their JSF One Team towards this milestone, and
it's highly satisfying to see our lift components performing the crucial tasks
so successfully."
     The Rolls-Royce designed and built lift system consists of a lined lift
module, using two butterfly valves and nozzles to provide direct lift using
engine exhaust, and a spool duct behind the lift module.  It also incorporates
an attitude control system that consists of pitch, yaw and roll nozzles, jet
screen, ducts, valves and actuators.
    The X-32B began its flight programme in March, but last month transited to
the US Navy's Patuxent River flight test centre to complete STOVL testing.
Key milestones in the X-32B programme included in-flight conversions from
forward flight to STOVL operation at altitude, followed by hovers and vertical
landings.
    The short take-off, the final formal requirement, saw the X-32B take off
in less than 550 feet of roll.  Boeing will continue flight testing the X-32B
to expand the STOVL capability, including short take-offs using successively
shorter runway lengths.
    Rolls-Royce expertise in this area is derived from its role in developing
and producing the world's only operational STOVL engine, the Pegasus --
powerplant of the Harrier -- which has exceeded 1,500,000 flying hours in
service with the UK, US, Spanish, Italian, Indian and Thai armed forces.