Northrop yf 23

Two YF prototypes were built.

In the realm of cutting-edge military aviation, stealth technology has emerged as a crucial aspect of modern warfare. The YF Black Widow, an advanced stealth fighter , stood as a trailblazer in the realm of aerial combat, shaping the future of air superiority, even though it never saw active service. Here we explore the development, features and significance of the YF Black Widow, a remarkable aircraft that pushed the boundaries of stealth technology. The proposed aircraft should not only possess low-observable radar characteristics but also demonstrate its ability to outperform the latest Soviet Su Flanker and MiG Fulcrum fighters in dogfight situations. This represented a significant advancement because, up until then, the only existing stealth aircraft, the F Nighthawk , lacked air-to-air weaponry and supersonic flight capability. Additionally, the Air Force desired the ATF to have super-cruise capabilities, enabling sustained supersonic flight without relying on fuel-consuming afterburners. It featured diamond-shaped wings that contributed to reduced radar visibility, and its slim side profile was reminiscent of the iconic SR Blackbird spy plane.

Northrop yf 23

Open 9 a. Air Force. Air Force photo by Ty Greenlees. Air Force on Oct. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock. Air Force photo. Photo courtesy of Airshow Traveler. Air Force photo by Ben Strasser. To lessen weight and increase stealth, Northrop decided against using thrust vectoring for aerodynamic control as was used on the Lockheed YFA. Northrop built two YFA prototypes. Mach 2. All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine.

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Sadly, it never saw active service, despite its remarkable capabilities. As a result, the Air Force sought to find a replacement for its F Eagle fighters. While both aircraft showcased cutting-edge technology, only the YF eventually evolved into the formidable F Raptor that graces the skies today. This decision was influenced by various factors, including cost considerations, maintainability, and the perceived advantages of the YF's performance. These included low-observable radar characteristics, the ability to outperform the latest Soviet Su Flanker and MiG Fulcrum fighters in dogfight situations, and the ability to sustain supersonic flight without relying on fuel-consuming afterburners. One of the key reasons aviation enthusiasts and military experts alike lament the absence of the YF in service is the aircraft's advanced technology. Boasting a sleek, stealthy design and innovative features, the Black Widow incorporated technologies like advanced radar-absorbing materials, a revolutionary diamond-shaped wing, and an emphasis on reduced infrared signatures. The YF could reach speeds of up to Mach 2. Its combination of speed, agility, and stealth made it a fierce competitor.

Northrop yf 23

In what may be my favorite installment in our ongoing series on Northrop's YF Black Widow, we hear directly from famed test pilot Paul Metz. Metz started his career as an FG Wild Weasel pilot in Vietnam and went on to become one of America's preeminent test pilots. In the video below, he describes what the ATF program was like from the inside and just how good the YF actually was. In addition, we get extra color on the accelerated flight test program Northrop executed for the competition from test pilot Jim Sandburg. Their testimony combined gives us an unprecedented look into the YF program and paints a clear picture that YF was indeed equal if not superior to its competition. This gem of historical reference has been largely overlooked even as the YF has risen to near legendary status, becoming one of the most enigmatic and fascinating modern aircraft in history. What's so important to underline is that Metz worked for both Northrop and Lockheed and is not known for hyperbole.

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Blue Gemini. Rand Publications, April Air Force May Buy Bombers. US Navy T Goshawk. Air Force. Williams, Mel, ed. Mitsubishi X-2 Shinshin. Here we explore the development, features and significance of the YF Black Widow, a remarkable aircraft that pushed the boundaries of stealth technology. Navy considered using the production version of the ATF as the basis for a replacement to the F , but these plans were later canceled. Open 9 a. Retrieved 31 August DRDO Ghatak. McGraw-Hill, Inc.

Two YF prototypes were built. The YF was stealthier and faster, but less agile than its competitor.

For the Chinese rocket engine, see YF rocket engine. Air Force Legends Number Western Museum of Flight. New York: McGraw-Hill, National Museum of the U. By comparison, the YF achieved Mach 1. Open 9 a. Flight International , 15 November Only aircraft, aero engines, and missiles are linked here. FJ Eagle Mitsubishi. The weapons bay was placed on the underside of the fuselage between the nose and main landing gear. The aircraft's overall length was slightly increased, volume was expanded, the nose was enlarged to accept mission systems, including the radar , and the forebody chines were less pronounced and raised to the same height as the leading edge of the wing.