The Northrop YF-23 is an American experimental stealth fighter aircraft built by Northrop in partnership with McDonnell Douglas, flown for the first time in 1990 as one of two competing prototypes, alongside the Lockheed YF-22, built for the United States Air Force's Advanced Tactical Fighter competition to select the country's next-generation air superiority fighter. Built with a distinctive diamond-shaped wing planform and canted tail fins designed to minimize its radar signature, the YF-23 was noted by many observers for superior stealth characteristics and higher top speed than its rival, but the Air Force ultimately selected the Lockheed design, which entered production as the F-22 Raptor, and the YF-23 program ended with only the two flying prototypes ever built. Both prototypes were preserved and remain on museum display.
Facts
SignificanceCompeted against the Lockheed led YF-22 in the US Air Force Advanced Tactical Fighter program and was considered stealthier and faster but less agile than its rival, which won the contract and became the F-22 Raptor. 1 Manufacturer or BuilderNorthrop, prime contractor, in partnership with McDonnell Douglas 1 In the Other Atlases
- Also in Business Atlas: Northrop, manufactured by there.
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Northrop YF-23
WikipediaDevelopment section: contractor team sentence
Northrop teamed up with McDonnell Douglas to develop the YF-23, and Lockheed, Boeing, and General Dynamics developed the YF-22.
Development section: PAV-1 rollout date sentence
Formally designated as the YF-23A, the first aircraft (serial number 87-0800), Prototype Air Vehicle 1 (PAV-1), was rolled out on 22 June 1990.
Lead paragraph: stealth versus agility comparison sentence
The YF-23 was considered stealthier and faster, but less agile than its competitor.
View the Source Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.