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

F-35 Lightning II vs YF-23 Black Widow II at a glance — top speed 1,960 vs 2,335 km/h, range 2,800 vs 4,500 km, max takeoff weight 27,216 vs 28,123 kg, built 965 vs 2 units.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-35 Lightning II
Northrop YF-23 Black Widow II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 YF-23 Black Widow II
Specifications
F-35 Lightning II YF-23 Black Widow II
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Northrop
First flight 15 December 2006 27 August 1990
Year introduced 2013 --
Number produced 965 units 2 units
Average unit price $103 million $70 million
Wing area 43.0 m² 84.0 m²
Wingspan 11.0 m 13.3 m
Height 4.4 m 4.0 m
Length 15.6 m 20.6 m
Maximum speed 1960 km/h 2335 km/h
Operational range 2,800 km 4,500 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m 19,812 m
Max. takeoff weight 27,216 kg 28,123 kg
Empty weight 14,651 kg 13,154 kg
Total thrust 1 x 19,500 kgf --
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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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 $103 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.