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Northrop YF-23

The Northrop YF-23 was an American single-seat, twin-engine stealth fighter prototype developed for the U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Northrop YF-23 was an American single-seat, twin-engine stealth fighter prototype developed for the U.S. Air Force’s Advanced Tactical Fighter program. Built by Northrop with McDonnell Douglas, it was a finalist against the Lockheed YF-22 but lost the competition and remained a prototype only. Two prototypes were built, with the first flight occurring on 27 August 1990.

Development

Northrop, as prime contractor with McDonnell Douglas, developed the YF-23 as a technology demonstrator for the U.S. Air Force’s Advanced Tactical Fighter competition. The design was intended to meet requirements for stealth, speed, and survivability.

Design

The YF-23 featured a stealth-focused airframe and was designed for high-speed supercruise. It was a single-seat, twin-engine fighter prototype built to reduce radar observability.

ATF competition

The YF-23 reached the final stage of the ATF competition but lost to Lockheed’s YF-22. The YF-22 later developed into the F-22 Raptor, while the YF-23 program was cancelled.

Preservation

Both YF-23 prototypes were completed and later preserved, with one displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

Key facts

  • The YF-23 was a finalist in the U.S. Air Force's Advanced Tactical Fighter program, competing against the Lockheed YF-22.
  • Two prototypes were built, first flying on 27 August 1990.
  • The aircraft emphasized stealth and high-speed performance, including supercruise capability.
  • The YF-22 won the competition, leading to the F-22 Raptor, while the YF-23 program was cancelled.
  • The YF-23 is unofficially nicknamed the 'Black Widow II'.
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Canadian context

No direct Canadian service or production connection is established in the provided sources; the aircraft is mainly relevant to Canadian readers as a notable Cold War-era-era US stealth fighter prototype and aviation history topic.

Frequently asked questions

What was the Northrop YF-23?
It was a U.S. stealth fighter prototype developed for the Air Force’s Advanced Tactical Fighter program.
Why did the YF-23 lose to the YF-22?
The YF-22 was selected by the U.S. Air Force after the ATF flyoff; the YF-23 program was then cancelled.
How many YF-23 aircraft were built?
Two prototypes were built.
What was the YF-23 nickname?
Its unofficial nickname was 'Black Widow II'.
Did the YF-23 enter service?
No. It remained a prototype and was not adopted into operational service.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_YF-23
    Supports: Basic identification, role, two prototypes, first flight, nickname, ATF finalist status
  2. National Museum of the United States Air Force — https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/195766/northrop-mcdonnell-douglas-yf-23a-black-widow-ii/
    Supports: Two prototypes, ATF competition, nickname, first flight era, cancellation after YF-22 selection