The YF-22 would become the F-22, a dominant air-superiority stealth fighter for nearly 30 years. Now the F-22's future is in doubt, with Congress and the US Air Force at odds about its retirement. On ...

Key Points and Summary - In a speculative showdown between the American YF-23 prototype and China's operational J-20 "Mighty Dragon," the Cold War-era design holds a surprising edge. -The YF-23, which ...

Key Points and Summary - Northrop’s YF-23 “Black Widow II” was arguably faster, longer-ranged, and stealthier than the YF-22, but Lockheed’s jet won with superior maneuverability, thrust-vectoring, ...

Summary: Among aviation enthusiasts, Northrop Grumman’s YF-23 has achieved legendary status due to its performance and the fact that only two prototypes were built before the program was discontinued.

The prototype stealth fighter that lost out to Lockheed Martin’s YF-22 in the U.S. Air Force’s 1991 Advanced Tactical Fighter competition in recent years has gained a cult following. The mystique that ...