The Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23 is an American single-seat, twin-engine, stealth fighter technology demonstrator prototype designed for the United States Air Force (USAF).

Dec 1, 2019 · He flew Northrop’s YF-23 on its first flight during the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) competition that pitted the jet against Lockheed’s YF-22 and also went on to do the same for the F-22A.

The Northrop YF-23A, unofficially named the Black Widow II, emphasized stealth characteristics. To lessen weight and increase stealth, Northrop decided against using thrust vectoring for aerodynamic control as was used on the Lockheed YF-22A.

Oct 26, 2024 · What You Need to Know: The Northrop YF-23, nicknamed “Black Widow II,” was a stealth fighter prototype developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Advanced...

Sep 23, 2024 · The Northrop YF-23 was designed to replace the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle. Sadly, it lost out to Lockheed's YF-22 (later F-22 Raptor).

Jan 21, 2025 · Northrop Grumman’s YF-23 Prototype was by all accounts an impressive machine with speeds of Mach 2.25 and a high 1.36 thrust-to-weight ratio, yet the stealth fighter jet …

Feb 1, 2022 · Unofficially dubbed ‘Black Widow II’, Northrop’s Prototype Air Vehicle (PAV) number 1 took to the air for the first time on August 27 making a near flawless one hour flight. Climb out was brisk, requiring the F-16 chase to use afterburner to stay with the YF-23 using military (non-afterburning) thrust.

Aug 11, 2023 · Lost competitor Northrop YF-23 Black Widow, an advanced stealth fighter jet that never made it to the skies. Explore its origins, unique design, and technology.

Feb 9, 2024 · The Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23 'Black Widow' was a marvel of aerospace engineering, and a contender in the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) competition. Sadly, it never saw active service, despite its remarkable capabilities.

Nov 15, 2022 · Learn how YF-23A Black Widow II became a top contender against the F-22 for the US Air Force's next covert fighter jet. Discover what made it so impressive.