Northrop / McDonnell Douglas ATF - YF-23 and EMD F-23

[Scott Kenny]

I need holidays. And a new shovel.

If you'll go halves on the hotel room I'll help...

 

[panda125]

The 705 model was cut up a number of years ago and the pieces were buried in the desert at White Sands.

oh no (.. Why would they do that? I need a excavator now

 

[Galaxy]

YF-23 AESA radar I found the on https://yf-23.webs.com/radar.html few years ago but unfortunately the website is death
View attachment 749518View attachment 749519

From what I understand the YF-23 never flew with a radar but it was supposed to use the AN/APG-77, perhaps I’m misunderstanding? Anyone knows how large the random housing in the YF-23 is? It looks like a larger random than what the F-22 has. Theoretically it looks like it may have been able to house a larger radar with more TR modules.

It’s been said a thousand times but the YF-23 was one of the nicest looking aircraft and had a much lower RCS compared to the YF-22 with it omitting horizontal stabilizers thus reducing a corner reflector, no intake tunnels which also also redced the RCS, thinner wings, nozzles being shielded by the “ruddervaders” giving it lower IR. The nozzles were also further back and the top half open which allowed for even better IR reduction especially with cool air mixing in with the hot gasses. The nozzles also had less seems compared to the YF-23 or even F-22 further reducing RCS.

This aircraft was way ahead of its time, plus it had better range and was very similar to maneuverability to the YF-22. I can imagine how much better it would have been with modern flight control computers and engines. The YF-23 looks more like a 6th generation aircraft than a 5th generation, this aircraft would be perfect with its long range and stealth to operate in the South China Sea.

 

[Sferrin]

An F-23 with 3-stream engines, avionics & sensors from an F-35 and modern durable RAM would be a sight to behold. Wasn't too crazy about their weapons bay design though.

 

[Galaxy]

I watched and old YF-23 documentary and an interesting thing was mentioned….YF-23 and B-2 were in development in the late 1980s so they share some similar DNA. I gave it some thought and the similarities were striking; some things i noticed is the YF-23 and B-2 share similar philosophies with the exhaust, intakes, narrow fuselage, large serrated trailing edges and a high lift fuselage. It kind of blew my mind, a high speed agile fighter took a page from a heavy strategic bomber.


I took some screenshots, first two pictures really illustrate the point, the last picture of the simulator cockpit was just rare so I thought I would post it:

 

[Sferrin]

Shame they didn't get a family photo in the air.

 

[UrNotSafe]

Hello! I have been searching through this entire thread for some pictures of what an F-23 cockpit and MFDs would look like. I found some interesting pictures and wonder if there are anymore like this one? Perhaps more MFD action?

 

[quellish]

That girl has a nose like an entrenching tool!

 

[Desertfox]

Looks very familiar... Is NGAD... NATF-23!?

 

[quellish]

Looks very familiar... Is NGAD... NATF-23!?

YF-23