The YF-23 Black Widow II Fighter Was Built for Just 1 Mission

Summary and Key Points: The YF-23 “Black Widow II,” a Northrop-designed stealth fighter prototype, competed fiercely against Lockheed Martin’s YF-22 during the Air Force’s Advanced Tactical Fighter program in the early 1990s. The fighter had one mission: to become the best fighter plane of all time and dominate against any nation’s air force. 

-With its advanced stealth design, revolutionary diamond-shaped wings, supercruise capability, and internal weapons bays, the YF-23 showcased cutting-edge aviation technology.

YF-23. Image Credit: Screenshot/Artist Rendering of Possible Final Design.

-Despite its impressive performance, the YF-23 ultimately lost to the YF-22, later known as the F-22 Raptor, primarily due to the latter’s superior maneuverability and cost-effective production proposal.

-Although never mass-produced, the YF-23’s innovative design heavily influenced future stealth fighters and remains a significant milestone in aviation history.

YF-23 Black Widow II Explained 

The YF-23, also known as the “Black Widow II,” was a prototype stealth fighter aircraft developed by Northrop Corporation in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

It was part of the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program initiated by the United States Air Force (USAF) to replace the aging fleet of F-15 Eagles and ensure air superiority into the 21st century. 

The YF-23 was a remarkable aircraft, showcasing cutting-edge technology and innovative design. 

However, despite its impressive capabilities, it ultimately lost to the Lockheed Martin YF-22, which would go on to become the F-22 Raptor.

YF-23 Fighter Is a Sad Story 

The YF-23 was born out of the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program, which the United States Air Force (USAF) initiated in 1981. The goal was to develop a new generation of fighter aircraft that could ensure air superiority well into the 21st century, countering advanced Soviet threats like the Su-27 Flanker. The program sought to replace the aging fleet of F-15 Eagles with a more capable and technologically advanced aircraft.

To prevent injury to ground personnel while under the aircraft, the ram air scoop was highlighted with a set of red and white triangles for visibility. The unintended coincidence looked like a Black Widow hourglass while the aircraft was in flight.

Northrop Corporation, in partnership with McDonnell Douglas, was one of the two teams selected to compete in the ATF program. 

The other team was led by Lockheed Martin, which partnered with Boeing and General Dynamics to develop the YF-22. The competition was fierce, with both teams striving to meet the USAF’s stringent requirements for stealth, speed, agility, and advanced avionics.

Northrop’s Unique Stealth Fighter

The Black Widow made its first flight on August 27, 1990. Two prototypes were built, each with distinct characteristics. The first prototype, PAV-1, was painted in charcoal gray and nicknamed “Black Widow II” in homage to Northrop’s P-61 Black Widow from World War II. The second prototype, PAV-2, was painted in a lighter gray and nicknamed “Gray Ghost.”

The YF-23’s design was revolutionary and set it apart from other aircraft of its time. The aircraft featured a distinctive diamond-shaped wing and a V-tail configuration, which contributed to its stealth capabilities by reducing its radar cross-section. 

The smooth, contoured surfaces of the YF-23 minimized radar reflections, making it difficult for enemy radar systems to detect and track the aircraft.

The YF-23’s Innovative Design

One of the main features of the YF-23 was its propulsion system. The aircraft was powered by two Pratt & Whitney YF119 engines, which provided exceptional thrust and allowed the YF-23 to achieve supersonic speeds without afterburners, a capability known as supercruise. This feature not only improved fuel efficiency but also reduced the aircraft’s infrared signature, making it less detectable by heat-seeking missiles.

YF-23. Image Credit: Creative Commons.

The YF-23’s cockpit was designed with advanced avionics and a digital flight control system. The cockpit layout was optimized for pilot situational awareness, with state-of-the-art sensors and displays providing comprehensive information about the aircraft’s status and the surrounding environment. The digital flight control system allowed for precise control of the aircraft, enhancing its maneuverability and overall performance.

The aircraft’s internal weapons bays were another important aspect of its design. By carrying weapons internally, the YF-23 maintained its stealth profile, as external weapons would have increased its radar signature. The internal bays were capable of housing a variety of air-to-air missiles, ensuring the YF-23 could effectively engage enemy aircraft while remaining undetected.

Why the F-22 Won in the End 

In 1990, the USAF conducted a series of flight tests and evaluations to determine which aircraft would be selected for production. Both the YF-23 and YF-22 demonstrated impressive performance, but there were several factors that ultimately led to the YF-22’s selection. While the YF-23 was highly agile, the YF-22 demonstrated superior maneuverability, particularly in close-range dogfights. The YF-22’s thrust vectoring technology allowed it to perform tighter turns and more aggressive maneuvers, giving it an edge in aerial combat. 

The YF-22 featured advanced avionics and sensor systems, providing better situational awareness and target acquisition capabilities. This made the YF-22 more effective in detecting and engaging enemy aircraft. 

Image of YF-23 in fight. Image Credit: Creative Commons.

Lockheed Martin’s proposal for the YF-22 included a more cost-effective production plan and a lower overall program cost. This was a significant factor for the USAF, which needed to balance performance with budget constraints. Additionally, Lockheed Martin had a stronger industrial base and political connections, which played a role in the decision-making process. The company’s experience and resources were seen as advantageous for the long-term success of the program.

Despite losing to the YF-22, the YF-23 remains an important part of aviation history. Its innovative design and advanced technology influenced future aircraft development, and many of its features can be seen in modern stealth fighters. The two YF-23 prototypes, nicknamed “Gray Ghost” and “Black Widow II,” are preserved in museums, serving as a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of Northrop and McDonnell Douglas.

Ironically, Northrop’s decision to focus on stealth resulted in its defeat. It is interesting to think about what could have happened had the Air Force decided to opt for the YF-23.

While both frames have their plus and minuses, but one cannot help but think that the YF-23 got unfairly snubbed. Perhaps the USAF made the right decision in opting for the F-22, or maybe the US missed out on having one of the best stealth fighters in the world.

About the Author: Isaac Seitz 

Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.