Six Reasons the YF-23 Still Gets Called Better Than the US Air Force F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighter

Six Reasons the YF-23 Still Gets Called Better Than the US Air Force F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighter

On April 23, 1991, the U.S. Air Force selected Lockheed’s YF-22 and Pratt & Whitney’s F119 engine for the Advanced Tactical Fighter program. Northrop’s YF-23 lost, yet the aircraft has gained supporters during the 35 years it has spent outside operational service. The argument usually begins with three claims: the YF-23 was stealthier, faster in supercruise and better suited to long-range missions. Some of that case rests on official test histor…