- "Hands down, the best stealth fighter there is. It can go supersonic without after-burners. Talk about a fast ride!"
- ―Harry's description of this plane in the shop.
The YF-23 (One model code-named Black Widow II, and known as YF-23 Blackwidow in Airforce Delta and Airforce Delta Storm) is a prototype fighter developed for the Advanced Tactical Fighter program, in direct competition with the F/A-22 Raptor (Known back then as the YF-22 Lightning II). However, it lost, due to projected increased costs as well as lower maneuverability at low speeds. However, the craft may be making a comeback; Northrop Grumman is attempting to negotiate deals to help develop Japan's newest stealth fighter aircraft. It is possible that data from the YF-23 will be used for the venture. It has appeared in all three Airforce Delta games, and is usable by Ruth Valentine in Airforce Delta Strike.
Design (All Games)
One of the most futuristic-looking fighters ever put out, the YF-23 has an incredibly interesting design. Its design is incredibly flat, with the only prominent raises in its body coming from the cockpit and the intakes. It has rhombus-shaped wings, and heavily slanted vertical stabilizers. It also possesses large, scoop-like jet engines.
Performance
Airforce Delta
A decent craft, unlocked around 3/4s of the way through the game. It has above average power and mobility, but somewhat weaker defenses and speed. It's outclassed by the F-22 Raptor you can unlock one level from now (Which is cheaper on top of that!), and has serious competition with the F-15S/MT you unlocked way earlier.
Airforce Delta Storm
Again, an above-average craft that's somewhat outclassed in certain departments. It is available in the latter-half of the game. Again, it suffers stiff competition from the F-22 and the MiG-1.44 MFI. An improved version called the XF-23CR Blackhollow can be found as well by locating a secret airbase.
Airforce Delta Strike
The stats this time around have heavily improved. It even has arguably better stats than the F/A-22 Raptor. However, it suffers from issues; Firstly, internal bomb-bays makes rapid missile firing very awkward (A trait shared by most stealthy aircraft, such as the F/A-22). Secondly, unlike the previous games, it now lacks a vulcan for some odd reason, which means if you run out of missiles, you have absolutely zero ways to defend yourself.
Statistics
Airforce Delta
Speed: Medium-high
Power: Maximum
Defense: Medium-high
Mobility: Very high
Airforce Delta Storm
Attack: Medium-high
Defense: High (4500 HP)
Speed: Very high
Power: Maximum
Mobility: High (!)
Missile: 72
Ability: Stealth
Range: 4
- (!) - Mobility stat is Very High in the PAL version.
Airforce Delta Strike
(Clockwise starting from top)
Anti Air Attack: High
Mobility: High
Defense: High (3100 HP)
Anti Ground Attack: Medium-high
Thrust: Maximum
Speed: Very high
Enemy Appearances (missions)
Airforce Delta
- Enemy YF-23s appear in The Silvan Fortress, The Mountain Base, and The True Island Fortress. There is only a single target; a parked YF-23 in The Mountain Base. The others are optional enemies.
Airforce Delta Storm
- Enemy YF-23s appear in Offensive in the Saice Canal. They are not required.
Gallery
Airforce Delta
.png "YF-23 Enemy AFD 1 (emblem).png (517 KB)")
.png "YF-23 Enemy AFD 2 (emblem).png (643 KB)")
.png "YF-23 Enemy AFD 3 (emblem).png (494 KB)")
.png "YF-23 (parked).png (646 KB)")
Airforce Delta Storm
Airforce Delta Strike
Trivia
- In Airforce Delta Strike. the YF-23 is oddly lacking a machine gun, despite the fact the real life YF-23 was planned to have a machine gun, an M61 Vulcan, to be exact.
- It's possible it doesn't because the aircraft is simply a test plane that Harry had gotten a hold of and stuck missiles to, thus lacking the capabilities for a machine gun.
