Northrop YF-17
Northrop · United States · first flew 1974 · fighter
The Northrop YF-17 was a twin-engine lightweight fighter prototype that competed in the USAF Lightweight Fighter programme in the mid-1970s, losing to the YF-16 but providing the design basis for the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. The first flight of 1976 listed in the source is slightly late; the actual first flight was in June 1974.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 16.92 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engine lightweight fighter demonstrator for LWF competition
- Twin canted tail fins and leading-edge root extensions (LERX)
- Ancestor of the F/A-18 Hornet
Identified by its twin canted fins, prominent LERX generating vortex lift, twin engine exhaust nozzles, and swept shoulder-mounted wing — similar to but smaller than the production F/A-18.
Specifications
- The Northrop YF-17 has a length of 16.92 m (56 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.67 m (35 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 2124 km/h (1320 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Northrop developed the YF-17 with twin General Electric YJ101 engines and prominent leading-edge root extensions to provide exceptional manoeuvrability. Though it lost the USAF competition to the General Dynamics YF-16, the US Navy selected the design as the basis for its new carrier fighter, which became the F/A-18.
Variants
Two YF-17 prototypes were built; the design was extensively modified by McDonnell Douglas to create the larger, carrier-capable F/A-18 Hornet.
Where you'll see it
The YF-17 itself never entered operational service; its legacy is the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet which serve with the US Navy and Marine Corps and numerous allied air forces.
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