Lockheed/Boeing/General Dynamics YF-22
Lockheed Corporation · United States · first flew 1990 · fighter
The YF-22 was the winning demonstrator in the US Air Force Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) competition, first flown in 1990 and developed into the production F-22 Raptor. It established key stealth and supermaneuverability features of what became America's premier air-superiority fighter.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 19.56 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- ATF competition prototype that became the F-22 Raptor
- Twin-engine stealthy supermaneuverable fighter demonstrator
- Trapezoidal delta wing with all-moving tail surfaces
Large stealthy twin-engine fighter with trapezoidal delta wings, canted twin vertical tails, and an angular fuselage with faceted surfaces; more angular than the production F-22 due to technology demonstrator status.
Specifications
- The Lockheed/Boeing/General Dynamics YF-22 has a length of 19.56 m (64 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.1 m (43 ft).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The YF-22 was a joint Lockheed, Boeing, and General Dynamics design submitted against the competing Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23. After competitive evaluation including supercruise demonstration, the YF-22 was selected in April 1991. Subsequent development by Lockheed Martin resulted in the production F-22A Raptor.
Variants
Two YF-22 prototypes (PAV-1 and PAV-2) were built; the production derivative F-22A differs significantly in airframe shape and systems.
Where you'll see it
The YF-22 prototypes conducted ATF evaluation flights from Edwards Air Force Base; they were not operational aircraft and have been retired to museum display.
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