-The YF-23 competed in the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program during the Cold War but lost to Lockheed’s YF-22, which became the F-22 Raptor. The YF-23 was admired for its stealth, speed ...

The YF-22 was a little faster at around 1,600 miles per hour, while the YF-23 prototypes had a 2,796 miles maximum range and a ceiling of 65,000 feet, plus better stealth characteristics.

The YF-23 had a top speed of 1,451mph to the YF-22’s 1,599mph, but the Northrop design had a longer range and a higher ceiling – 2,796 miles maximum range and a ceiling of 65,000 feet.

The YF-22 had the edge over the YF-23 and the Air Force prioritized maneuverability for close-range combat. The USAF believed Lockheed had a stronger team, too.

Just like we did with the YF-22 and YF-23 in the 1990s, we had advanced technology demonstrators flying.” “And just recently we had the announcement from the Oval Office.

Despite being so visually impressive, only two YF-23s were ever built. The first YF-23, nicknamed Black Widow II, was built around two Pratt & Whitney engines that enabled supercruise at Mach 1.43.