Boeing Bird of Prey
Boeing · United States · first flew 1996 · fighter
The Boeing Bird of Prey (YF-118G) was a classified American single-seat stealth technology demonstrator that flew 38 times between 1996 and 1999, validating low-observable design features including gapless control surfaces and a shielded dorsal intake. It was declassified in 2002.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbofan, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 14.22 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tailless single-engine stealth demonstrator with dorsal shielded intake
- Diamond-planform wing with cranked leading edges and gapless control surfaces
- Classified until 2002; 38 flights 1996–1999
A very distinctive tailless aircraft with a broad diamond wing planform, steeply cranked leading edges, a shielded dorsal air intake, and no vertical tail surfaces. The extremely narrow fuselage and very short wingspan relative to wing chord are immediately recognisable.
Specifications
- The Boeing Bird of Prey has a length of 14.22 m (47 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 6.91 m (23 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 482 km/h (300 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by McDonnell Douglas (later absorbed by Boeing) under a black programme, the Bird of Prey was intended to demonstrate advanced stealth shaping techniques applicable to future combat aircraft. Its 38 test flights at the Nevada Test and Training Range validated the diamond wing planform and novel control surface concepts. Insights from the programme influenced the X-32 JSF contender and X-45 UCAV demonstrator.
Variants
Single prototype only.
Where you'll see it
Experimental programme; now on static display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Dayton, Ohio.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.