F-22 Raptor vs. YF-23: The Intense Competition Behind America's Next Stealth Fighter

Summary: The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and the Northrop Grumman YF-23 were fierce competitors in a 1980s bid for a U.S. Air Force contract to develop a stealthy, supercruise-capable fighter jet.

-Despite the YF-23 demonstrating superior stealth capabilities, range, and a higher operational ceiling, the F-22 won the contract due to its impressive in-flight demonstration, which included missile launches and high-G maneuvers that were not performed by the YF-23.

-The decision also...