The X-32 started life as ARPA's ASTOVL (Advanced Short Take-Off/Vertical
Landing) project, intended as a technology demonstrator to lead to a
supersonic successor to the Harrier.  This later became CALF (Common
Advanced Lightweight Fighter), a more general demonstrator for a future
lightweight fighter.  The UK is also involved in the project, putting up
about one third of the money.  The design has been made small enough for
service on Royal Navy carriers.

Lockheed has been contracted to build at least two prototypes of the CALF,
now designated X-32, in two variants.  There will be a CTOL version for the
USAF (and possibly RAF), and a V/STOL version (with a lift fan replacing
one of the fuel tanks) for the USN and USMC (and possibly RN).  The X-32 is
a single-seat, single-engine, fly-by-wire aircraft with a canard delta
configuration (similar to Eurofighter, Rafale, and Gripen).  The aircraft
incorporates many components from the F-22, including stealth features and
supercruise.  Weapons will be carried internally.

First flight (CTOL version) is expected about 1998.  Lockheed hope to build
a number of prototypes for full evaluation by each of the three services,
and eventual development into a service aircraft.