The YF-23 has a significant following, with numerous fans believing it surpasses the F-22 Raptor in stealth capabilities. Although well-supported, the US Air Force decided against its adoption.
Under different circumstances, the YF-23 might have been the US military’s inaugural fifth-generation stealth fighter jet.
However, the military selected the YF-22, which transformed into the formidable F-22A Raptor, acknowledged as the most proficient air superiority fighter ever used.
The origins of this decision trace back to the late 1970s when the US Air Force grew concerned about the emerging threat posed by advanced Soviet surface-to-air missiles and fighter aircraft, prompting the need to replace the aging F-15—a stalwart still in service today.
Developing a new fighter jet, or any aircraft for that matter, is a complex and time-consuming endeavor. The timeline from concept to production can span from several years to decades, influenced by various factors including the aircraft’s design and the geopolitical landscape.
In times of urgency, military forces are compelled to expedite aircraft development and deployment to meet operational demands.
A prime historical example of this expedited development is evident during the Second World War, where both Allied and Axis powers raced to produce new aircraft to maintain competitive edge.
The North American P-51 Mustang serves as a notable illustration of this phenomenon, with its design initiated in 1940 and operational deployment achieved by 1942.
After the Vietnam War, the US Air Force initiated a lengthy and competitive process to develop a new generation of fighter jets, acknowledging the considerable time and effort required.
In 1986, the Air Force announced a groundbreaking competition for advanced fighter aircraft, leading to the formation of two teams: one presenting the YF-22, developed by Lockheed, Boeing, and General Dynamics, and the other presenting the YF-23, developed by Northrop Grumman and McDonnell Douglas.
Just two YF-23 prototypes were ever constructed. The initial prototype, dubbed “the Black Widow II” for its sleek black paint, was equipped with Pratt & Whitney YF119-PW-100 engines, enabling it to supercruise at Mach 1.43, or about 1,088 miles per hour, without afterburners.
The second prototype, known as the “Grey Ghost” due to its distinctive paint, featured General Electric YF120 engines, boosting its supercruise speed to Mach 1.6, or about 1,217 miles per hour, and reaching a top speed of approximately Mach 2, or about 1,522 miles per hour.
In contrast, the YF-22 competitor achieved a supercruise speed of Mach 1.58, or about 1,202 miles per hour, but Lockheed Martin’s superior marketing emphasized its high-g capabilities and maneuverability.
The YF-23 prioritized stealth over its competitor, focusing on lighter design to enhance its stealth characteristics, yet sacrificing some capabilities.
Lacking thrust vectoring, it faced agility challenges in dogfighting. Despite years of Air Force flight testing, the advanced YF-23 ultimately succumbed to the YF-22, now known as the F-22A Raptor, which continues to soar in the skies today.
Relevant articles:
– The F-22 Raptor Is a Badass Fighter, But Was the YF-23 Better?, The National Interest, Dec 26, 2023
– The Only Man Who Flew Both The F-22 And The YF-23 On Why The YF-23 Lost, twz.com, Dec 1, 2019
– YF-23 vs. F-22 Raptor: The Stealth Fighter Battle That Changed Everything, 19FortyFive, Jul 16, 2022