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F-117 Nighthawk vs YF-23 Black Widow II

F-117 Nighthawk vs YF-23 Black Widow II at a glance — top speed 1,101 vs 2,335 km/h, range 1,720 vs 4,500 km, max takeoff weight 25,000 vs 28,123 kg, built 64 vs 2 units.

Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk bombers side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-117 NighthawkFull specs
Northrop YF-23 Black Widow II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 YF-23 Black Widow IIFull specs
Specifications
F-117 Nighthawk YF-23 Black Widow II
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Northrop
First flight 18 June 1981 27 August 1990
Year introduced 1982 --
Number produced 64 units 2 units
Average unit price $45 million $70 million
Wing area 73.0 m² 84.0 m²
Wingspan 13.2 m 13.3 m
Height 3.8 m 4.0 m
Length 20.1 m 20.6 m
Maximum speed 1101 km/h 2335 km/h
Operational range 1,720 km 4,500 km
Service ceiling 13,716 m 19,812 m
Max. takeoff weight 25,000 kg 28,123 kg
Empty weight 13,380 kg 13,154 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,781 kgf --
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-117 Nighthawk or YF-23 Black Widow II?
The YF-23 Black Widow II is faster with a maximum speed of 2,335 km/h compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 1,101 km/h, a difference of 1,234 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-117 Nighthawk or YF-23 Black Widow II?
The YF-23 Black Widow II has a longer range at 4,500 km compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 1,720 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-117 Nighthawk or YF-23 Black Widow II?
The YF-23 Black Widow II has a higher service ceiling at 19,812 meters (65,000 ft) compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 13,716 meters (45,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-117 Nighthawk or YF-23 Black Widow II?
The YF-23 Black Widow II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 28,123 kg compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 25,000 kg.
Which is larger, the F-117 Nighthawk or YF-23 Black Widow II?
The YF-23 Black Widow II is longer at 20.6 meters compared to the F-117 Nighthawk's 20.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-117 Nighthawk or YF-23 Black Widow II?
The YF-23 Black Widow II is more expensive at approximately $70 million per unit compared to the F-117 Nighthawk at $45 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-117 Nighthawk or YF-23 Black Widow II?
The F-117 Nighthawk has been produced in greater numbers with 64 units compared to 2 units of the YF-23 Black Widow II.