YF-23 vs. F-22: Which Aircraft Was Stealthier?

The YF-23 and F-22 Raptor were both experimental stealth fighters developed in the 1990s. While both shared a focus on stealth, their design philosophies and features influenced their effectiveness differently.

YF-23: A Stealthy Blended Design

The YF-23, also known as the Black Widow, possessed a unique blended wing-body design. This shape, combined with the use of advanced materials, contributed to its low radar cross-section (RCS), making it a formidable contender in the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) competition. This blended design not only minimized the aircraft's visibility to radar but also enhanced its overall stealth capabilities.

F-22: Balancing Stealth and Performance

The F-22 Raptor incorporated a stealthy design with angular surfaces and internal weapon bays. Unlike the YF-23, the F-22 was not just about stealth but also considered in terms of supercruise capability and agility. The F-22's engines were designed to achieve high performance while maintaining a low infrared (IR) and radar signature, making it highly effective in a variety of combat scenarios.

Comparing Stealth Capabilities

In terms of pure stealth capabilities, the YF-23 was likely stealthier due to its unique design and lower RCS. The YF-23's shape and materials were specifically tailored to minimize its radar and infrared signatures. However, the F-22 was a balanced design that sacrificed some stealth for performance, particularly in terms of maneuverability and high-speed capabilities.

The F-22's RCS, while larger than that of the YF-23, is still considered extremely stealthy and effective against modern radar systems. Its ability to supercruise (maintaining supersonic cruise without afterburners) added a new dimension to stealth fighters, making it a versatile and formidable air superiority fighter.

Design and Philosophies

The YF-23's design philosophy centered around the purest form of stealth, while the F-22 was engineered to achieve a balance between stealth and other performance factors. This balance resulted in the F-22's exceptional agility and supercruise capabilities, making it a reliable platform for air superiority missions.

Illustrating the ATF Competition

The ATF competition was originally meant to produce an air superiority fighter. The need for a highly maneuverable aircraft was a critical factor in the competition. Despite the YF-23's advanced stealth technology, the F-22 outperformed it in terms of maneuverability. Additionally, the USAF had concerns about the cost and reliability of Northrop, the manufacturer of the YF-23, due to previous issues with the B-2 program. These concerns, along with the demonstrated capabilities of the F-22, led the USAF to select the F-22 over the YF-23.

While the decision to go with the F-22 was influenced by practical concerns, it doesn't diminish the technological achievements of the YF-23. The YF-23 would have been a remarkable aircraft, likely offering superior stealth capabilities but falling short in certain performance aspects.

Final Thoughts

Both the YF-23 and F-22 represent cutting-edge technological advancements in the realm of stealth fighters. The YF-23's focus on stealth alone would have made it a formidable opponent, while the F-22's balanced design has proven to be highly versatile and effective in a wide range of combat scenarios.

Regardless of their differences, both aircraft are technological marvels that continue to influence the development of modern air combat systems. The USAF's decision to go with the F-22 was driven by practical considerations, but the YF-23 remains a fascinating and innovative design in the annals of military aviation.