Interesting article on the ATF competition
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-b ... uilt-14328Noticed a few things. Its often said that the YF-23 was superior in the following ways.
-Stealth
-Speed
-Supercurise
-Range
While the YF-22 was better in:
-maneuverability
-reliability
-cost
However this article seems to have a few interesting quotes
In fact operational Raptor pilots tell me that it’s not very useful during real world missions. “Supercruise is impressive on paper but not very practical in a fighter with limited fuel,” a senior Air Force F-22 pilot said. “I would much rather have an aircraft that accelerates and gains energy back quickly than one that supercruises.”
So are they implying that the F-22 had better acceleration and energy retention numbers than the YF-23. Even if they never flew the 23, I would imagine they have access to the classified E-M charts
The YF-23—contrary to popular belief—did not have an overall top speed that was any faster than the YF-22. Both jets were limited to an aerodynamic max speed of about Mach 2.2 as a result of their fixed-ramp external compression inlets. In fact, operational F-22 Raptors are “red lined” at exactly Mach 2.0 with an artificial placard because the aircraft’s stealth coating are prone to delamination if the jet went any faster—particularly around the canopy.
So it wasn't faster
But it would still have better range although I would doubt the production model will retain the range of the YF-23 prototype.
Production models are always heavier than the prototypes so we may be looking at a combat radius closer to 500 or 600 NM rather than the 750- 800 nm
Lastly Both the YF-119 and 120 were deemed next generation engines.
We know that the YF-120 used a 3rd stream similar to Advent.
But what about the YF-119, is it just an improved version of the current F-100 series or is there more to it?