Publicly unveiled on August 29, 1990, the first of two Lockheed YF-22A pre-production aircraft revealed a very different design approach to the Northrop competitor, with seemingly more conservative design options hiding a highly sophisticated aircraft.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-22 Raptor - СШАUSA - 1990

Lockheed ATF Concept

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-22 Raptor - СШАUSA - 1990

Lockheed revealed this early configuration in October 1985, employing canards and 2-D thrust vectoring nozzles for manoeuvrability.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-22 Raptor - СШАUSA - 1990

Launched from the underwing pylon of a Boeing B-52, HiMAT advanced the data base on high g transonic agility using canard and high-lift surfaces controlled from the ground by a NASA test pilot.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Rockwell XFV-12 - СШАUSA - 1978

Making its first flight on May 10, 1989, the F-15B S/MTD demonstrator was equipped with a digital fly-by-wire control system, modified engines with 2-D nozzles and canards.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas F-15B/D Eagle - СШАUSA - 1972

Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23. Фирма "Northrop" полагала, что ключом к победе является высокая скорость и малозаметность. YF-23 в избытке обладал этими качествами - с двигателями General Electric YF120 он мог совершать крейсерский полет на скорости М=1,8 без использования форсажа.
Самолет имел в плане контуры, образованные прямыми линиями, - практически все они были параллельны передней или задней кромке крыла (исключая законцовки крыла и нижнюю переднюю часть фюзеляжа), а кромки всех створок и основных панелей обшивки имели зигзагообразную форму. Эти и другие решения позволили снизить заметность машины в радиолокационном диапазоне.
Seen in plan the YF-23A displays its unusual over-tail exhaust arrangement with a single serration for breaking radar returns. Note the small ailerons and large flaps, and parallel leading and trailing edges of wing and tail.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop YF-23 - СШАUSA - 1990

Seen head-on, the YF-23 exhibits features first applied to the Lockheed SR-71, with chines from the front of the radome back to the wing leading edge.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop YF-23 - СШАUSA - 1990

This view illustrates the smooth lines and high-set cockpit affording an excellent frontal view for the pilot.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop YF-23 - СШАUSA - 1990

Its length accentuated by the large overhanging tail surfaces, the Northrop-McDonnell Douglas YF-23A is rolled out to public view for the first time on June 22, 1990.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop YF-23 - СШАUSA - 1990

Both the side and plan elevations are graphically displayed in this view of the two YF-23A prototypes 87-0800 and 87-0801. The slender wing-blended fuselage is particularly worthy of note.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop YF-23 - СШАUSA - 1990

With trapezoidal underwing intakes and overwing engine-exhaust geometry, the YF-23A adopts multi/conipound-curvature to match low observable technology with an agile supercruise performance.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop YF-23 - СШАUSA - 1990

In searching for an F-15 replacement with quantum steps in agility and supercruise manoeuvring, manufacturers explored a wide variety of design and technology options. This Boeing concept features over-wing inlets for low IR visibility, a two-crew cockpit and large tail surfaces for flick-turns.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing / Grumman / McDonnell Douglas / Rockwell ATF - СШАUSA - 1986

Boeing moved a step back to the future with this early ATF design incorporating a coupled delta-canard configuration but with an unstealthy fin and recessed missile bay displaying good radar return characteristics.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing / Grumman / McDonnell Douglas / Rockwell ATF - СШАUSA - 1986

Supercruise performance demanded low bypass engines in a streamlined aerodynamic configuration. This concept emphasised sheer performance but with little agility or supersonic manoeuvrability.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing / Grumman / McDonnell Douglas / Rockwell ATF - СШАUSA - 1986