YF-17 Cobra
YF-17 Cobra is a military aircraft.
 | |
|---|---|
| Specifications | |
| Crew | 1 |
| Span | 35 ft (10.7 m) |
| Length | 56 ft (17.1 m) |
| Height | 16 ft 6 in (5 m) |
| Weight (max take-off) | 23,000 lb (10,400 kg) |
| Engines | 2 General Electric Y-J-101 afterburning turbojets |
| Max Speed | Mach 2+ |
| Range (ferry) | 2,990 miles (4,810 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 50,000 ft (15,000 m) |
| Armament | 20-mm M-61A1 Vulcan Cannon 2 AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles |
The United States Air Force, in 1972, sought proposals for a fighter that was small, low-cost, lightweight and easy to maintain. Northrop had experience with such requirments through its very successful F-5 Freedom Fighter and T-38 Talon.
In a 1975 fly-off, the Cobra competed against the General Dynamics F-16 Falcon and pilots reported very similar capabilities. General Dynamics had gambled by gearing up for immediate production, and so won the contract.
Though not selected by the Air Force, Northrop teamed up with McDonnell Douglas and developed the F-17 Cobra into the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet.
External link
- USAF Museum: YF-17 Cobra (http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/research/fighter/f17.htm)
| Related content | |
|---|---|
| Related Development | |
| Similar Aircraft | |
| Designation Series | |
| Related Lists | List of military aircraft of the United States - List of fighter aircraft |
| List of Aircraft | Aircraft Manufacturers | Aircraft Engines | Aircraft Engine Manufacturers Airlines | Air Forces | Aircraft Weapons | Missiles | Timeline of aviation |