Northrop YF-23
Wednesday, 30th January 2008 by James Turnbull
Continuing the thread of unique plane finds is this sighting of a Northrop YF-23 .
Specifically, this aircraft is YF-23 model PAV-2, which was nicknamed "Gray Ghost". We know for a fact that it's this model as only two were built, and the other one was painted black. 😉
What's interesting about the YF-23, apart for its brilliantly bizarre wing-shape, is that it came very close to being a staple fighter of the American Air Force.
Looking for an upgrade to the aging F-15 Eagle model, the US Air Force awarded contracts to two potential replacements: the YF-23 and the now-common F-22 raptor. It's not been revealed why, but the F-22 won the competition and the YF-23 model was scrapped.
After the engine was removed PAV-2 was placed on display here, in a car-park outside Northrop Grumman's factory in El Segundo.
Further information on the plane is, of course, available on Wikipedia.
Thanks: McMaster_de.
Both planes are amazing, but I’m suprised the project was scrapped and they didn’t find a use for it. Great find guys =]
May be the same YF-23 “Gray Ghost” before beeing moved from Western Aerospace Museum in Hawthorne L.A. from Live Search Maps (Bird’s eye view):
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=pnmg1r544790&style=o&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=900265&encType=1
…and now at Northrop Grumman’s factory always from Live Search Maps and Bird’s eye view::
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=pnn596541fdt&style=o&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=7021100&encType=1
Note: Live Search Maps works only with Micorsoft Internet Explorer !
large type font/ advertising nearby to west https://www.googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=&c=&t=k&hl=en&ll=33.921293,-118.391687&z=19