Lockheed YF-22

The Lockheed-Boeing-General Dynamics YF-22 was an American single-seat, twin-engine stealth fighter prototype and technology demonstrator designed for the United States Air Force. Lockheed was the prime contractor of the team, which entered the Advanced Tactical Fighter competition. Two prototypes were built for the demonstration and validation phase, and the first flew on 29 September 1990. The team won the contest against the Northrop-led YF-23 team in April 1991, and the design was developed into the Lockheed Martin F-22. The YF-22 had a similar aerodynamic layout to the F-22 but differed in the position and design of the cockpit, tail fins and wings, and in its internal structure. The United States Navy considered a naval version, but the plan was cancelled because of cost. The first prototype was retired as an exhibit at the Air Force Flight Test Museum.