Forget the F-22 and F-35: The X-32 and F-23 Could Have Been the Best in Stealth

https://media.defense.gov/2008/Sep/04/2000682178/-1/-1/0/080904-F-1234S-003.JPG
October 11, 2019 Topic: History Region: Americas Blog Brand: The Buzz Tags: F-22F-35X-32BoeingStealthMilitaryTechnology

Forget the F-22 and F-35: The X-32 and F-23 Could Have Been the Best in Stealth

What happened?

Parting Thoughts:

The F-23 included some characteristics that may eventually find themselves in a sixth generation fighter, or perhaps in the Air Force’s “deep interceptor” intended to support B-21 Raiders on the way to their targets. For example, the V-tail aspect has been mentioned in some of the early conceptualization for a next generation fighter. And Boeing will undoubtedly hearken back to its experience with the F-23 when thinking about its next fighter.

For years, one of the two YF-23 prototypes sat in the Hangar of Unwanted Planes (more formally known as the Research and Development Hangar) at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. The YF-23 was positioned right under the last remaining XB-70 Valkyrie, the centerpiece of the museum’s collection. Both aircraft have now moved to the newly opened fourth building of the museum, where they continue to represent alternative visions of the (past) future of the Air Force, visions deeply grounded in the industrial and organizational realities of American airpower.

Robert Farley, a frequent contributor to TNI, is author of The Battleship Book. He serves as a Senior Lecturer at the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce at the University of Kentucky. His work includes military doctrine, national security, and maritime affairs. These pieces both appeared separately several years ago. 

Image: USAF Museum