Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23 prototype multipurpose fighter of the fifth generation, developed by Northrop Grumman and McDonnell Douglas. There were built two copies — "Black widow II" (eng. Black Widow II), and "Grey Ghost" (eng. Grey Ghost). The prototype YF-23 lost the competition the YF-22 entered service in the US air force in 2005.YF-22 and YF-23 were competing in the project promising multipurpose fighter of the fifth generation to replace the F-15 Eagle. The prototype YF-23 was designed with the requirements of the United States air force increased combat survivability, stealth, possibilities of flight at supersonic speeds without using afterburners, and ease of maintenance. The primary goal was to reduce the radar visibility of the aircraft, Northrop drew on its experience of creating a strategic bomber B-2 Spirit and F/A-18 Hornet. The engines of the YF-23 are devoid of a controlled thrust vector, which reduces the maneuvering characteristics of the aircraft, however, this reduces the mass of the structure, and also achieved a greater reduction of the IR signature of the aircraft. Despite the fact that the aircraft has cutting-edge design, to reduce cost, have been used, some components of the F-15. The prototype "Black Widow II" and "Gray Ghost" distinguish the engines in the first prototype installed the engine the Pratt & Whitney YF119, the second General Electric YF120, which participated in the competition for the engine for the fifth generation fighter. "Black Widow II" made the first…
YF-23 PAV2 First Flight and Walk Around by Test Pilot Jim Sandberg https://youtu.be/2EFHywoWzNQ
Betty Wheaton interviews YF-23 PAV2 Test Pilot Jim Sandberg about the PAV2 first flight (landing gear problem), and Jim conducts a walk-around of the aircraft discussing typical checks he performed prior to a test flight. The YF-23 PAV2 is on display at the Western Museum of Flight. Produced by Jarel & Betty Wheaton for Peninsula Seniors www.pvseniors.org