Yak-38 Forger vs YF-23 Black Widow II

The Yak-38 Forger and the YF-23 Black Widow II are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Yakovlev and Northrop McDonnell Douglas respectively. Top speed is 1,210 km/h for the Yak-38 Forger vs 2,335 km/h for the YF-23 Black Widow II. The Yak-38 Forger has an operational range of 1,300 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 11,300 m for the Yak-38 Forger. At 28,123 kg MTOW, the YF-23 Black Widow II is 2.5x the Yak-38 Forger's 11,200 kg. The Yak-38 Forger has been produced in 231 units vs 2 for the YF-23 Black Widow II. Unit cost is $12M for the Yak-38 Forger vs $70M for the YF-23 Black Widow II. The Yak-38 Forger first flew 20 years before the YF-23 Black Widow II (1970 vs 1990).

Soviet vertical takeoff/landing fighter, developed during the Cold War, primarily utilized on Soviet naval aviation carriers.
Yakovlev Yak-38 Forger Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Yakovlev
First flight 27 September 1970
Year introduced 1976
Number produced 231 units
Average unit price $12 million
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
Wing area 18.5 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.3 m â—‰
Height 4.4 m â—‰
Length 15.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1210 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,300 km â—‰
Service ceiling 11,300 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,200 kg â—‰
Empty weight 7,020 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 3,050 kgf â—‰
Wing area 84.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 13.3 m â—‰
Height 4.0 m â—‰
Length 20.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2335 km/h â—‰
Operational range 4,500 km â—‰
Service ceiling 19,812 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 28,123 kg â—‰
Empty weight 13,154 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 15,876 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Yak-38 Forger 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 Yak-38 Forger's 1,210 km/h, a difference of 1,125 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Yak-38 Forger or YF-23 Black Widow II?
The YF-23 Black Widow II has a longer range at 4,500 km compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 1,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the Yak-38 Forger 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 Yak-38 Forger's 11,300 meters (37,073 ft).
Which is heavier, the Yak-38 Forger 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 Yak-38 Forger's 11,200 kg.
Which is larger, the Yak-38 Forger or YF-23 Black Widow II?
The YF-23 Black Widow II is longer at 20.6 meters compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 15.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Yak-38 Forger or YF-23 Black Widow II?
The YF-23 Black Widow II is more expensive at approximately $70 million per unit compared to the Yak-38 Forger at $12 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Yak-38 Forger or YF-23 Black Widow II?
The Yak-38 Forger has been produced in greater numbers with 231 units compared to 2 units of the YF-23 Black Widow II.