The history of aviation is dotted with ambitious projects that never quite made it to production, and the US military’s fighter jet development is no exception. Over the decades, the US Air Force and Navy have explored a vast array of experimental aircraft, each with its own unique capabilities and design philosophies. While some of these prototypes went on to become legendary fighter jets, others, for various reasons, never made it past the testing phase.
In this article, we’ll delve into the Top 5 US Fighter Jets That Never Took Off, despite their promise, never entered full-scale production.
1. The Stealthy and Speedy YF-23 Black Widow II
In the late 1980s, the US Air Force embarked on the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program, seeking to develop a new air superiority fighter to replace the aging F-15 Eagle. Two contractors, Northrop and Lockheed Martin, were selected to compete for the contract, and they presented their respective designs: the YF-23 Black Widow II and the YF-22 Raptor.
The YF-23, designed by Northrop, was widely regarded as the stealthier and faster of the two prototypes. Its sleek, angular design and advanced avionics promised exceptional performance and low radar cross-section. However, the YF-22 Raptor, with its superior maneuverability, ultimately won the competition and went on to become the renowned F-22 Raptor.
Despite its impressive capabilities, the YF-23 never made it into production, as the Air Force opted for the Lockheed Martin design. The two YF-23 prototypes were subsequently retired, with one now on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, a testament to the aircraft’s potential and the competitive nature of the ATF program.
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2. The Unconventional X-32 Demonstrator
In the late 1990s, the US military embarked on the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, seeking to develop a new multi-role fighter that could be used by the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. Two contractors, Boeing and Lockheed Martin, were selected to compete for the contract, and they presented their respective designs: the X-32 and the X-35.
The X-32, designed by Boeing, was immediately recognized for its unconventional appearance, with a distinctive delta wing shape and a unique short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) system. While Boeing emphasized simplicity and focused on stealth and speed, the X-32’s STOVL system proved less efficient than Lockheed Martin’s lift-fan design.
In the end, the Lockheed Martin X-35 demonstrator emerged victorious, becoming the foundation for the F-35 Lightning II, the world’s most common fifth-generation fighter jet. The X-32, on the other hand, never made it into production, and its two prototypes now reside alongside the YF-23 in the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
3. The Bizarre Parasitic XF-85 Goblin
During the early years of the Cold War, the US military explored the concept of “parasitic aircraft” – small, lightweight fighters that could be deployed from the bomb bays of larger bombers. One such experiment was the XF-85 Goblin, developed by McDonnell Aircraft.
The XF-85 Goblin was designed to protect the massive Convair B-36 bomber from enemy interceptors, with the idea being that the Goblin could be launched from the B-36’s bomb bay, engage the hostile aircraft, and then return to the mother ship. While the concept was intriguing, the tests proved to be extremely hazardous, with half of the Goblin prototypes making emergency landings.
The XF-85 Goblin was not the first parasitic aircraft experiment, as the US Navy had previously operated Curtiss F9C Sparrowhawk biplanes from its Akron-class airships. However, the Goblin’s challenging design and the inherent risks of the parasitic concept ultimately led to the project’s cancellation, and the two XF-85 prototypes were never put into production.
4. The Promising but Overlooked F-20 Tigershark
In the 1980s, Northrop sought to develop a more affordable alternative to the popular F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the result was the F-20 Tigershark. This lightweight fighter was an evolution of the successful F-5E Tiger II, boasting significantly improved performance, a more powerful radar, and the ability to carry most US-produced weapons.
The F-20 Tigershark was designed to be a cost-effective option for both the US and international markets, with Northrop hoping to capitalize on the growing demand for capable yet affordable fighter jets. However, despite its impressive capabilities, the F-20 project was ultimately canceled after the completion of just three prototypes due to low interest from potential customers.
The cancellation of the F-20 Tigershark was a disappointment for Northrop, as the aircraft had the potential to be a more budget-friendly alternative to the F-16. The decision also highlighted the challenges faced by smaller defense contractors in competing with the might of larger players like Lockheed Martin and Boeing.
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5. The Ambitious but Underperforming XFV-12
In the late 1970s, the US Navy sought to develop a new fighter jet that could combine the speed and capabilities of the F-4 Phantom II with the ability to operate from small aircraft carriers, known as Sea Control Ships. The result was the XFV-12, a unique VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) prototype developed by Rockwell International.
On paper, the XFV-12 promised to be a formidable fighter, with the potential to achieve speeds over Mach 2 and carry the powerful AIM-7 Sparrow missiles. However, during the prototype’s testing phase, the aircraft’s VTOL capabilities proved to be underwhelming, failing to match the performance of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier, a proven VTOL fighter already in service.
Despite the high hopes for the XFV-12, the project was ultimately canceled, as the Navy’s plans for the Sea Control Ship never materialized. The single XFV-12 prototype was retired, and the Navy’s search for a high-speed, VTOL-capable fighter continued without success.
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Conclusion
The history of US fighter jet development is filled with ambitious projects that, for various reasons, never made it to full-scale production. From the stealthy and speedy YF-23 Black Widow II to the bizarre parasitic XF-85 Goblin, these experimental aircraft represent the creativity, innovation, and sometimes, the challenges faced by the military in its pursuit of the ultimate air superiority fighter.
While some of these prototypes, like the X-32 and the YF-23, showcased impressive capabilities, they ultimately lost out to their competitors in highly competitive procurement programs. Others, like the F-20 Tigershark and the XFV-12, faced challenges in meeting the evolving requirements of the military or securing sufficient interest from potential customers.
Nevertheless, these experimental fighter jets serve as a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the engineers, designers, and test pilots who pushed the boundaries of aviation technology. Their stories offer valuable lessons and insights into the complex and ever-evolving world of military aircraft development, inspiring future generations of aviation enthusiasts and defense innovators.
FAQs
1. What U.S. fighter jet has never been shot down?
The F-15 Eagle is a fighter jet initially developed by McDonnell-Douglas (later acquired by Boeing). Renowned globally for its durability and an undefeated combat record, it has never been shot down by an enemy aircraft.
2. Does India have a F-35 jet?
The F-35A Lightning II made its first appearance in India at Aero India 2023. The US has also been actively promoting the sale of its top-tier F-16 Fighting Falcon, known as the F-21, to India.
3. Has a F-22 ever been shot down?
It would have been an impressive achievement for the rebels, who have so far only managed to target unsuspecting commercial ships. In almost two decades of official service, no F-22 Raptor stealth fighter has ever been shot down, though a few have been lost due to accidents.
4. Why is the F-22 so secret?
Unlike most U.S. military aircraft, the F-22 was never intended for export. It was equipped with highly classified technology and built using advanced production methods that the United States prefers to keep tightly guarded.
5. Why does USA want Tejas?
Other countries that have shown interest in the Tejas LCA jet include the USA, Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The Tejas LCA is a single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft designed to operate in high-threat air environments, capable of executing missions in air defense, reconnaissance, and strike roles.
