F-35 Lightning II vs YF-23 Black Widow II

Overview

The F-35 Lightning II and the YF-23 Black Widow II are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Northrop McDonnell Douglas respectively.

Top speed is 1,960 km/h for the F-35 Lightning II vs 2,335 km/h for the YF-23 Black Widow II. The F-35 Lightning II has an operational range of 2,800 km vs 4,500 km for the YF-23 Black Widow II. The YF-23 Black Widow II operates at altitudes up to 19,812 m compared to 15,000 m for the F-35 Lightning II.

The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in 965 units vs 2 for the YF-23 Black Widow II. Unit cost is $85M for the F-35 Lightning II vs $70M for the YF-23 Black Widow II. The YF-23 Black Widow II first flew 16 years before the F-35 Lightning II (1990 vs 2006).

F-35 Lightning II

American multirole stealth fighter, developed in the early 21st century, extensively deployed in global military operations.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
First flight 15 December 2006
Year introduced 2013
Number produced 965 units
Average unit price $85 million
→ View full F-35 Lightning II details

YF-23 Black Widow II

American stealth fighter, developed in the late 1980s, untouched by combat, rival to the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor.
Northrop McDonnell Douglas YF-23 Black Widow II Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop McDonnell Douglas
First flight 27 August 1990
Year introduced --
Number produced 2 units
Average unit price $70 million
→ View full YF-23 Black Widow II details

F-35 Lightning II

Wing area 43.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 11.0 m ◉
Height 4.4 m ◉
Length 15.6 m ◉
Maximum speed 1960 km/h ◉
Operational range 2,800 km ◉
Service ceiling 15,000 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 27,216 kg ◉
Empty weight 14,651 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 19,500 kgf ◉

YF-23 Black Widow II

Wing area 84.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 13.3 m ◉
Height 4.0 m ◉
Length 20.6 m ◉
Maximum speed 2335 km/h ◉
Operational range 4,500 km ◉
Service ceiling 19,812 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 28,123 kg ◉
Empty weight 13,154 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 15,876 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-35 Lightning II 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-35 Lightning II's 1,960 km/h, a difference of 375 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-35 Lightning II or YF-23 Black Widow II?
The YF-23 Black Widow II has a longer range at 4,500 km compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 2,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-35 Lightning II 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-35 Lightning II's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-35 Lightning II 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-35 Lightning II's 27,216 kg.
Which is larger, the F-35 Lightning II or YF-23 Black Widow II?
The YF-23 Black Widow II is longer at 20.6 meters compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-35 Lightning II or YF-23 Black Widow II?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $85 million per unit compared to the YF-23 Black Widow II at $70 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-35 Lightning II or YF-23 Black Widow II?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 2 units of the YF-23 Black Widow II.

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