The Northrop family of supersonic twins on display at the company’s California plant on the occasion of the roll-out of the YF-17 (extreme right). In the background, a T-38A Talon trainer is flanked by an F-5B (left) and F-5A (right), respectively two-seat and single-seat versions of the Northrop Freedom Fighter. In the foreground is the F-5E Tiger II, derivative of the earlier fighter variants.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter - СШАUSA - 1963Northrop F-5B - СШАUSA - 1964Northrop F-5E Tiger II - СШАUSA - 1972Northrop T-38 Talon - СШАUSA - 1959Northrop YF-17 Cobra - СШАUSA - 1974

The Northrop F-17 in flight. Two prototypes were built for the fly-off with the General Dynamics F-16 prototypes and completed about 350 hrs in 288 flights for the USAF s accelerated flight test programme. High angle of attack manoeuvrability was demonstrated, with no departure tendencies or loss of pilot control at angles of attack up to 63 deg at 20 knots (37 km/h) and sideslip angles of 36 deg at 40 deg angle of attack. 6g and 7g turns were made without buffet at transonic and supersonic speeds and more than 9g was reached in one part of the flight envelope.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop YF-17 Cobra - СШАUSA - 1974

An illustration showing that the YF-17’s tailplanes need no support when the engines are removed. Notice also that the engine bays are completely plumbed to receive the engine and are remarkably clean (by design) to facilitate quick engine changes and to reduce the probability of plumbing damage, etc.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop YF-17 Cobra - СШАUSA - 1974

The Northrop YF-17 - unsuccessful candidate for the USAF lightweight fighter selection but progenitor of the US Navy's F-18 - is the ultimate expression of Lee Begin’s design art, as discussed in this article

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop YF-17 Cobra - СШАUSA - 1974

A head-on view of the Northrop YF-17, showing its unique leading edge extensions (LEX) - the so-called Cobra hood - with long slots at their roots to prevent build up of boundary-layer air ahead of the air intake.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop YF-17 Cobra - СШАUSA - 1974

The integrated nozzle afterbody: an example of remarkable aerodynamic cleanliness.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop YF-17 Cobra - СШАUSA - 1974

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: SAAB Viggen / AJ.37 - ШвецияSweden - 1967