The YF-23
"Black Widdow" (Northrop/McDonnell Douglas) was the competitor
of the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor (then YF-22 Lightning II) in the
advanced tactical fighter program in the last century (maidenflight of the
YF-23 was August 27 1990). For Modellers it might be interesting to know
that several F-15 componets found theier way into the YF-23 to cut the
development costs. These components are the forward cockpit of the F-15E,
the front wheel and others which I do not know of.
Better stealth
characteristics led to not as good flight abilities of the YF-23.
This and other points (also some political
reasons) led to the drop out of the YF-23 in the end.
In 2004
Northop refurbished the second prototype for the USAF's interim bomber
project, which has also been canceled by now in favor for a long-term
replacement. But maybe Northop will use the YF-23 as a starting point for
this as well...
Click on
images below to see larger images
The Italeri
model is/was as far as I know the only one in 1:72 scale (Dragon also had
one - but I think it was the same kit in a different packing, with a
different price tag) and provides sufficient detail level with a
slightly-more-than-basic cockpit including a multipart ejection seat, side
consoles, instrument panel and a simple HUD. The panel lines are raised
and the wheel wells and weapon bays are deep and also a bit detailed.
Some
missiles are also included as well as markings for the first dark gunship
grey and the second two-tone light grey prototype.
I rescribed the
panel lines and decided to close the weaponsbay, which required some filler.
Filler was also needed on several seams and on some areas which had sinkholes.
Although the cockpit
has a large canopy I decided that the cockpit detail is OK for me - especially
as I did not add a vacuformed canopy and the kit part is a bit on the thick
side. I did not know that the prototype used the F-15E cockpit - maybe I
would have used a resin one otherwise. But in the end the model is OK for me -
the over all shape of the plane is what I like, so I can be happy when I see it
from a distance ;-)
I decided to make
the dark gunship grey first prototype before I got the kit - I like it much
more, as it pronounces the aircraft's futuristic look. The decals where typical
for the older Italeri waterslides - they are thick, matt and need lots of
softener to snuggle down - in combination with Future to reduce silvering as
much as possible. But even with a high gloss undercoat and Future there are
still some spots of silvering...
The natural metal
area in the exhaust area was done with Testors Metaliser Paint.
There is no
weathering, as I represented the rollout configuration (I had lots of pictures
in a German magazine which I could use as a painting reference for the
small details, like antennas, landing gear etc.).
Except for the
rescribing, filling and sanding this was an easy and quick build.
Cheers,
René
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