| YF-23 Black Widow II | |
|---|---|
| |
| Origin |  United States
|
| Role | Stealth Fighter |
| Manufacturer | Northrop/McDonnell Douglas |
| Primary user |  H.A.W.X. Squadron
|
| General characteristics | |
| Crew | 1 |
| Length | 20.55 meters |
| Wingspan | 13.30 meters |
| Height | 4.24 meters |
| Loaded weight | 29,030 kg |
| Performance | |
| Maximum speed | 2,735 km/h |
| Range | 1,480 km |
| Statisctics | |
| Air to Air | ●●●●● |
| Air to Ground | ●●○○○ |
| Cockpit | |
| |
The YF-23 Black Widow II is a single-seat, twin-engine, stealth fighter of US origin.
Design[]
The YF-23 is created using advanced stealth technologies to reduce its radar cross-section, making it hard to detect by radar and electronic systems. This involved radar-absorbing materials and an aerodynamic shape that lowered its radar signature. Besides its stealth, the YF-23 has a highly aerodynamic design for great speed and maneuverability. Its wing shape, with a sharply swept trailing edge, enabled high speeds with low drag, while large control surfaces ensured precise handling.
Firepower[]
The YF-23 was built as a versatile fighter aircraft for both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, featuring advanced weapons systems for tailored missions. For air-to-air combat, it could be armed with missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM for long-range targeting, the AIM-9 Sidewinder for short-range engagements, and the AIM-7 Sparrow for medium-range. For ground attacks, it carried guided bombs like the GBU-15 and could use the AGM-88 HARM missile against enemy radar systems and various unguided munitions.
Avionics[]
The YF-23’s avionics suite is also highly advanced, including advanced sensors and radars that allowed the pilot to detect and track multiple targets simultaneously. Its digital flight control system allowed for precise control of the aircraft’s movements, and provided the pilot with real-time information about the aircraft’s performance and systems.
Mobility[]
The YF-23 was powered by two Pratt & Whitney YF119 afterburning turbofan engines, which were capable of generating up to 155.6 kilonewtons of thrust each. This power allowed the YF-23 to achieve exceptional speed and performance, with a top speed of 2,735 km/h at high altitude and 2,205 km/h at low altitude. The engines were also designed with advanced technology that made them highly efficient and reliable, with features such as Full-Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and advanced materials that allowed for higher operating temperatures.
