Hobby Master 1/72 F-23 "Su-57 Aggressor Scheme" Blue 054, 65th AGRS, Nellis AFB (what if scheme) Diecast Model Aircraft

In the 1980s, the USAF sought a replacement for its F-15 fighter to address emerging threats like the Soviet Union's Su-27 and MiG-29, leading to design proposals from several companies.

Northrop and McDonnell Douglas developed the YF-23, while Lockheed, Boeing, and General Dynamics created the YF-22.

Although the YF-23 was faster and stealthier, it lacked the agility of the YF-22.

After four years of evaluation, the YF-22 was chosen in 1991, resulting in the F-22 Raptor, which first flew in 1997 and entered service in 2005.

Plans for a naval version as an F-14 replacement were later canceled due to costs.

After flight testing, the YF-23 prototypes were put into storage and considered for further research projects that never materialized.

Today, the two YF-23 prototypes can be seen at the National Museum of the United States Air Force and the Western Museum of Flight.

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