Av8fan Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 (edited) Chappie, Oh boy..I am sure its a great kit but 200 is beyond my means at this time.. Anyhow, I think its a lovely looking plane with all kinds of posibilities regarding paint/decaling. Edit- Jeff, I didnt see your response. Thanks for the info. Edited November 20, 2006 by Av8fan Link to post Share on other sites
Aggressor Supporter Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 I think it likely that if the Navy had remained in the ATF program instead of bailing to try and build the A-12 (lets not even go there!), they would have evaluated the YF-23 as a more suitable design for carrier operations than the YF-22 and pushed for its selection. It seems the YF-23 would have a more forward center of lift, and that, combined with a shorter nose, would have made it easier to bring aboard the boat. My understanding is one of the reasons why the YF-22 design was chosen (when the Navy was onboard for the NATF) was it was a lesser risk to modify and more adaptable for carrier-born operations than the YF-23 design. The F-22 has turned out to be a fantastic fighter, but back in the 90s I was hoping the YF-23 would win. I just loved the look of the jet. Yeah, I too was rooting for the YF-23 when the Air Force's ATF competition was going on back in 1990 simply for it looks, which is futuristic. I was disappointed when it lost out to the YF-22 which to me looked too conventional and nothing like an "Advanced Tactical Fighter". My understanding of the YF-22/F-22 has obviously increased since then and I'm now glad the F-22 Raptor is here and was chosen. I still do like the YF-23 though and always will. I believe it would have fulfilled a long range strike platform very well as it is widely know it was built for speed and stealth, which Northrop succeeded in doing in spades. Link to post Share on other sites
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