YF-23A Black Widow II

* AFD
* AFD Storm
* AFD Strike

"*Hands down, the best stealth fighter there is. It can go supersonic without after-burners. Talk about a fast ride!*"
―Harry's description of this plane in the shop.
The **YF-23** (One model code-named **Black Widow II**, and known as **YF-23 Blackwidow** in *Airforce Delta* and *Airforce Delta Storm*) is a prototype fighter developed for the Advanced Tactical Fighter program, in direct competition with the F/A-22 Raptor (Known back then as the YF-22 Lightning II). However, it lost, due to projected increased costs as well as lower maneuverability at low speeds. However, the craft may be making a comeback; Northrop Grumman is attempting to negotiate deals to help develop Japan's newest stealth fighter aircraft. It is possible that data from the YF-23 will be used for the venture. It has appeared in all three *Airforce Delta* games, and is usable by Ruth Valentine in *Airforce Delta Strike*.

## Design (All Games)

One of the most futuristic-looking fighters ever put out, the YF-23 has an incredibly interesting design. Its design is incredibly flat, with the only prominent raises in its body coming from the cockpit and the intakes. It has rhombus-shaped wings, and heavily slanted vertical stabilizers. It also possesses large, scoop-like jet engines.

## Performance

### *Airforce Delta*

A decent craft, unlocked around 3/4s of the way through the game. It has above average power and mobility, but somewhat weaker defenses and speed. It's outclassed by the F-22 Raptor you can unlock one level from now (Which is cheaper on top of that!), and has serious competition with the F-15S/MT you unlocked way earlier.

### *Airforce Delta Storm*

Again, an above-average craft that's somewhat outclassed in certain departments. It is available in the latter-half of the game. Again, it suffers stiff competition from the F-22 and the MiG-1.44 MFI. An improved version called the XF-23CR Blackhollow can be found as well by locating a secret airbase.

### *Airforce Delta Strike*

The stats this time around have heavily improved. It even has arguably better stats than the F/A-22 Raptor. However, it suffers from issues; Firstly, internal bomb-bays makes rapid missile firing very awkward (A trait shared by most stealthy aircraft, such as the F/A-22). Secondly, unlike the previous games, it now lacks a vulcan for some odd reason, which means if you run out of missiles, you have absolutely zero ways to defend yourself.

## Statistics

### *Airforce Delta Storm*

 **Range:** | 4

* *(!) - Mobility stat is Very High in the PAL version.*

### *Airforce Delta Strike*

(Clockwise starting from top)

 **Speed:** | Very high

## Enemy Appearances (missions)

### *Airforce Delta*

* Enemy YF-23s appear in The Silvan Fortress, The Mountain Base, and The True Island Fortress. There is only a single target; a parked YF-23 in The Mountain Base. The others are optional enemies.

### *Airforce Delta Storm*

* Enemy YF-23s appear in Offensive in the Saice Canal. They are not required.

## Gallery

### *Airforce Delta*

Enemy YF-23 from The Silvan Fortress.Ditto, featuring emblemEnemy YF-23 from The Mountain Base.Ditto, featuring emblem.Enemy YF-23 from The True Island FortressDitto, featuring emblemParked YF-23 from The Mountain Base.
### *Airforce Delta Storm*

Picture, plus stats.Stats in the PAL version. Note the increased mobility.YF-23 Blackwidow II in Airforce Delta Storm.Ditto.Wallpaper of the mission Offensive in the Saice Canal featuring an enemy YF-23 Blackwidow.YF-23 Blackwidow wallpaper.YF-23 Blackwidow collage.Enemy YF-23 from Offensive in the Saice Canal.Ditto, plus UF emblem.Player YF-23.Player YF-23.Player YF-23.Player YF-23.Player YF-23.Player YF-23.
### *Airforce Delta Strike*

YF-23 in Ruth's color scheme.YF-23 in a generic color scheme.Wallpaper featuring Ruth's YF-23A alongside two E.D.A.F. MiG-29s.Generic YF-23.Aircraft statistics.YF-23A Black Widow II cockpit in *Airforce Delta Strike*.The YF-23A's special weapons, High-Maneuvering Air-to-Air Missiles.

## Trivia

* In *Airforce Delta Strike*. the YF-23 is oddly lacking a machine gun, despite the fact the real life YF-23 was planned to have a machine gun, an M61 Vulcan, to be exact.
	+ It's possible it doesn't because the aircraft is simply a test plane that Harry had gotten a hold of and stuck missiles to, thus lacking the capabilities for a machine gun.