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YF-23 BLACK WIDOW II

Top Mach Studios

AIRCRAFTJETYF23F23TOPMACHSTUDIOS

4.7/5 (45)


The Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23A is an American single-seat, twin-engine, stealth fighter prototype technology demonstrator designed by Northrop for the United States Air Force’s (USAF) Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) demonstration and validation competition, battling Lockheed Martin’s YF-22 team for full-scale development and production. Nicknamed "Black Widow II", two YF-23 prototypes were built. We’ve modeled both real-world prototypes with different performance profiles as well as a hypothetical F-23A operational variant with additional features and performance capabilities. You get all three aircraft models in one package. Our YF-23 features many unique and interesting capabilities and we’ve referenced the publicly available real-world YF-23 utility flight manual to replicate many of the aircraft’s unique features. We can say with certainty that there is nothing available for MSFS like this, and the Black Widow II will provide sim pilots of all abilities interesting piloting challenges and many hours of enjoyment.

MODEL FEATURES AND CAPABILITIES Significant information about the YF-23A remains classified; in particular estimated aerodynamic performance and maneuvering capability data. However, we’ve done our best, utilizing museum displays, the real world YF-23 flight manual, photographs, books, videos, graphics, statements by the USAF, test pilots and engineers, and publicly known specifications, to replicate what we know about the YF-23A. In spite of some unavailable information about the real-world aircraft, we've rendered a sophisticated and realistic model of the Black Widow II that’s tremendous fun to fly.

Custom-programmed fly-by-wire control system:

  • Auto-trim / pitch control
  • G-limiter
  • Roll and yaw limiters
  • High angle of attack performance - controllable beyond 60 degrees AoA
  • Computational fluid dynamics for improved aerodynamics and handling
  • Highly resistant to departure from controlled flight
  • Precision, stable flight control to 65,000 feet and above
  • Custom-modeled flight control animations system
  • Accurate take-off, approach and landing speeds
  • Post-stall aerobatics possible; J-turns, pedal turns, power loops, etc.

Highly Realistic and Immersive Custom Sound Pack from Echo19 Studios

Highly detailed 3D cockpit; nearly 1:1:

  • All displays custom developed from YF-23A utility flight manual.
  • Head-Up Display (HUD)
  • HSI screen for navigation
  • Many functional cockpit controls; all cockpit controls interactive & animated
  • Custom canopy reflections effects
  • Full featured autopilot, IFR navigation capable
  • Engine management controls modeled from flight manual
  • Aerial refueling capability
  • Complete cockpit lighting in operational variant
  • 'Hidden' G1000 Flight planner
  • High detail ACESII ejection seat model
  • Custom, animated pilot figurine – user customizable display options
  • Radar, Tactical display, and FLIR night vision in F-23A variant

Detailed custom-built 3D exterior model:

  • 15 liveries included
  • Accurate flight control animation sequences
  • Highly detailed, fully animated landing gear
  • Weapon bay animations and interior
  • F-23A variant includes drop tanks and static weapons
  • Custom dynamic vapor and vortex effects
  • Custom afterburner and lighting vfx
  • Complete exterior lighting systems for F-23A variant
  • Custom ground and servicing equipment models

Performance and flight model based on USAF specs:

  • Accurate weight and fuel quantities
  • Engine model tuned to real-world specs
  • Accurate fuel consumption and range
  • Exceptional range allows long distance flights
  • Mach 2.4+ maximum speed
  • Supersonic cruise - Mach 1.6+ at altitude

Other features and included items:

  • VR headset compatible
  • Detailed user manual
  • Ongoing development effort with ongoing upgrades planned

This product is not endorsed by, nor supported by, the Northrop Grumman Corporation

More Details: www.topmachstudios.com

The YF-23 is an American twin-engine, single-seat, advanced demonstrator aircraft. The jet was developed as part of the United States Air Force’s Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program. The YF-23 took its maiden flight on August 27, 1990, and a total of two were produced, both prototypes.

The United States Air Force established the Advanced Tactical Fighter program in the early 1980s to develop a next-generation aircraft to dramatically extend then-current capabilities to counter emerging Soviet threats. The program outlined a series of criteria that together would form the basis of fifth-generation fighter aircraft, including low observability, high maneuverability, advanced avionics and flight controls, and efficient propulsion systems, including supercruise.

The result of the effort was one of the most distinctive military aircraft in history. It features a diamond-shaped main wing blended into the aircraft’s fuselage, twin engine nacelles with ducted intakes, a V-tail empennage with all-moving stabilizers, and an internal weapons bay. The design yielded both low radar cross section (RCS) and low thermal signature. The jet features advanced avionics and a flight control system comprising high-speed computing for precision maneuvers.

The YF-23 measures 67 feet, 5 inches in length, stands 13 feet, 11 inches tall, and has a wingspan of 43 feet, 7 inches. It is powered by two afterburning turbofan engines that each produce up to 35,000 pounds of thrust with full afterburner. The aircraft has a range of 2,800 miles and a service ceiling of 65,000 feet above sea level. It has a supercruise speed of Mach 1.7 and a maximum speed of more than Mach 2.

Specifications


SPEEDCruise: Mach 1.6+, Max.: Mach 2.2+
CEILING65,000+ ft (19,578 m)
RANGE2,100+ nm (3886+ km)
LENGTH67 ft 5 in (20.55 m)
WINGSPAN43 ft 7 in (13.28 m)
HEIGHT13 ft 11 in (4.24 m)
TAKEOFF5,000 ft (1,500 m)
MAX TAKEOFF WEIGHT64,000 lb (29,030 kg)
FUEL CAPACITY3,582 USg, (14,581 l) Internal
ENGINE2 X P&W YF119 or GE YF120
COCKPIT CREW1