- "Hands down, the best stealth fighter there is. It can go supersonic without after-burners. Talk about a fast ride!"
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[]
| Type | Stats |
|---|---|
| Speed: | Medium-high |
| Power: | Maximum |
| Defense: | Medium-high |
| Mobility: | Very high |
Airforce Delta Storm[]
| Type | Stats |
|---|---|
| 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)
| Type | Stats |
|---|---|
| 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[]
.png "AFD2 YF-23 Player (2).png (717 KB)")
.png "AFD2 YF-23 Player (3).png (654 KB)")
.png "AFD2 YF-23 Player (4).png (575 KB)")
.png "AFD2 YF-23 Player (5).png (350 KB)")
.png "AFD2 YF-23 Player (6).png (799 KB)")
Airforce Delta Strike[]
Airforce Delta Alternative[]
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.