YF-23A
Posted by cult-creeg@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 51 comments
Out of all the things at the NMUSAF, the PAV-2 just looks so crazy
Posted by cult-creeg@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 51 comments
Out of all the things at the NMUSAF, the PAV-2 just looks so crazy
Zennnybabenny@reddit
I was recently able to see the other prototype at the western museum of flight. It was so odd to see it in a museum with 4 other planes.
evarga@reddit
This one used to just sit in the parking lot at the back of the Northrop factory up the street. It was sad, happy to see it’s getting better care.
northshore01915@reddit
I used to work here.
ScarfaceAC2@reddit
I forget the name but that experimental F-5 variant with the Berkut esque wings in the background is pretty awesome
MrMikeDelta@reddit
X-29
theyoyomaster@reddit
Oh hey, I was wondering what happened when it moved out of the Smithsonian a decade or so ago.
Ikrit122@reddit
One of my favorite planes. I saw it it in a book about planes when I was little (talking about the potential future of aircraft) and was really intrigued by the forward-swept wings.
I'm disappointed it's hanging now. It used to be on the ground when the experimental and presidential aircraft were in a separate hangar on-base.
MrMikeDelta@reddit
It's the X-29
LetsGoHawks@reddit
Beautiful airplane.
The thing that really struck me about seeing stealth aircraft in person was how smooth they are. Not a rivet or seam in sight. It's really cool.
cult-creeg@reddit (OP)
So crazy to see it so closely to older WWII era planes. Can’t even comprehend the technology that’s gone into what we use today, and into what we almost used
iVouldnt@reddit
When you think about it, the current 5th gen fighters (F22, F35) were conceived in the late 80's and early 90's. That tech is 40ish years old and currently the most lethal and stealthy planes around. I can't imagine what we have coming down the pipeline for the future.
discreetjoe2@reddit
6th gen will be entering service soon and I guarantee 7th gen in on the drawing board already.
Kom4K@reddit
The future is shaking out to be distributed systems. Less sexy, but no less game-changing. Multi-domain integrated sensors passing off targets to multi-domain weapons systems.
LetsGoHawks@reddit
Or the Soviet stuff... the build quality on those was crap.
Saritone@reddit
I've been to this museum half a dozen times in my five years living up near Dayton and it's been as joy every time. If you ever are in the neighborhood and have any interest in aviation it's worth the visit.
hwc_n_things@reddit
And its the right price, no fee to park or to get in.
Careless-Ask4981@reddit
What in gods name is that huge white bird in the background?
cult-creeg@reddit (OP)
XB-70 Valkyrie.
I could post sooo May pictures from this place but I’m going to spare you guys the horrible lighting and karma farming lol
Careless-Ask4981@reddit
Good god! I want to see more, the plane you’re showing off looks awful fast but this “XB” must be lightning!
wighty@reddit
This was back in 2022. https://imgur.com/a/K2FOk1y
Careless-Ask4981@reddit
After seeing this pic, no offense to the Concorde aficionados, but I’d fund a dozen A&P’s to boroscope this thing. I’d enjoy hearing it growl to life once more.
Plastic-Serve5205@reddit
Mach 3+ supersonic bomber. Scared the crap out of the Soviets. First time it broke the sound barrier, it peeled most of it's paint off. The pics are impressive.
Outrageous-Let7406@reddit
XB-70
CharcoalGreyWolf@reddit
Which one, the EAB-70 Valkyrie?
Recoil42@reddit
XB-70
Plastic-Serve5205@reddit
My favorite aircraft ever. Been up close a few times. The landing with the aluminum impregnated tires are impressive. And yes, it is absolutely massive.
iftheygivinitaway@reddit
It was better when they had it outside. Not for the preservation, of course, but it was easier to see and appreciate it.
TheWoodser@reddit
I have visited both of them....
One is how you see it in the background at the Air Force museum.... the other is in tiny pieces in the Mojave desert.
Plastic-Serve5205@reddit
Eww. But yeah, 207 is scatteredbout there.
yadingus33@reddit
Valkyrie bomber... one of thr coolest planes ever
Notme20659@reddit
It is the XB-70 Valkyrie.
iVouldnt@reddit
This picture does not do this plane justice. It is MASSIVE. With 6 engines in a row on the back, it straight up looks like something out of Star Wars standing behind it.
cult-creeg@reddit (OP)
I wish I got a better picture of it. I took this from about 10 feet up and it still looks MASSIVE
iVouldnt@reddit
I love that museum. I'm planning on going back soon. I have tons of pictures of that plane. And almost everything else in there as well, haha. Last I remember I edited my folder down to like 7xx pictures. The 6 engine pusher was wild to see as well.
cult-creeg@reddit (OP)
It’s the first time I’ve been since I was younger. It’s only about 3 hours from me, but after going as an adult I would pay to fly in if I needed to. Totally worth it.
cult-creeg@reddit (OP)
Only other picture I’ll post. It was between this and the YF haha
NoDoze-@reddit
Such an awesome plane! However, now it's tech is already outdated. It needs upgrades! LOL
Greenbench27@reddit
When I went I couldn’t peel myself away from the Valkyrie
MrPigeon70@reddit
You can't fool me that's clearly the f/a-xx
(Northrup Grumman recent renders)
pezaf@reddit
I got to get up close and personal with the YF-23 in Torrance, CA. Got to crawl under it and touch it and everything. It’s one of my favorite planes so it was a dream come true. Hats off to the volunteers at the museum.
dstan1856@reddit
The first time I went to the museum there was one main building and the XB-70 sat outside. They now display stuff that was either top secret or not even on paper at the time. The place is amazing.
timelessblur@reddit
F23 in a museum is the ultimate flex saying the one we didn’t select is still 50 years ahead.
IvyGold@reddit
For the lazy:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_YF-23
Space--Buckaroo@reddit
That is one of two. I believe the other one is still in El Segundo.
TigerIll6480@reddit
Y ask Y?
I’ll see myself out now.
lukewhale@reddit
I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is.
patriot_man69@reddit
the goat....
airport-codes@reddit
I am a bot.
^(If you are the OP and this comment is inaccurate or unwanted, reply below with "bad bot" and it will be deleted.)
cult-creeg@reddit (OP)
Bad bot
cult-creeg@reddit (OP)
Wright-Patterson Air Force base in Dayton Ohio
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