Destined to Fail: The Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23, a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed in the late 1980s as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program, competed closely with the Lockheed YF-22, which later evolved into the F-22 Raptor.

-Known for its stealthy design, long range, and high ceiling, the YF-23 excelled in speed and supercruise capabilities.

-However, the YF-22’s superior agility in dogfighting gave it the edge, leading to its selection by the USAF. The YF-23 remains an example of an innovative design narrowly outmatched by an exceptional competitor.

The Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23, a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed in the late 1980s as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program, competed closely with the Lockheed YF-22, which later evolved into the F-22 Raptor.

Known for its stealthy design, long range, and high ceiling, the YF-23 excelled in speed and supercruise capabilities.

However, the YF-22’s superior agility in dogfighting gave it the edge, leading to its selection by the USAF. The YF-23 remains an example of an innovative........

© The National Interest