Overview
Originally a product intended for the USAF, the YF-17 Cobra earned her wings with the USN as the FA-18 Hornet.
Originally a product intended for the USAF, the YF-17 Cobra earned her wings with the USN as the FA-18 Hornet.
YEAR: 1972
STATUS: Cancelled
MANUFACTURER(S): Nothrop Aviation - USA
PRODUCTION: 2
OPERATORS: United States (cancelled)
Technical Specifications
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Northrop YF-17A (Cobra) model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Northrop YF-17A (Cobra) model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
CREW: 1
POWER: 2 x General Electric YJ101-100 afterburning turbojet engines developing 14,400lb thrust each.
ADVERTISEMENTS
LENGTH
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WIDTH / SPAN
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HEIGHT
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EMPTY WGT
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M.T.O.W.
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SPEED (MAX)
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CEILING
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RANGE
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nautical miles
CLIMB RATE
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ft/min
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meters-per-minute
Armament
AS TESTED/PROPOSED:
1 x 20mm Vulcan internal cannon
2 x AIM-9 Sidewinder Air-to-Air (AA) missiles on wingtips
AS TESTED/PROPOSED:
1 x 20mm Vulcan internal cannon
2 x AIM-9 Sidewinder Air-to-Air (AA) missiles on wingtips
Variants / Models
• YF-17 "Cobra" - Technology demonstrator
• F/A-18 "Hornet" - Larger / heavier variant based on the YF-17.
• YF-17 "Cobra" - Technology demonstrator
• F/A-18 "Hornet" - Larger / heavier variant based on the YF-17.
History
Detailing the development and operational history of the Northrop YF-17 (Cobra) Technology Demonstrator Aircraft. Entry last updated on 5/25/2019. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Northrop YF-17 (Cobra) Technology Demonstrator Aircraft. Entry last updated on 5/25/2019. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
The YF-17 Cobra was a Northrop Aviation creation through NASA to support further testing and research of aircraft at transonic speeds (meaning just underneath the speed of sound, or 700-780mph / 1,127-1,255kph). The YF-17 Cobra was, itself, born from the United States Air Force's Lightweight Fighter Program.
The Lightweight Fighter Program called for a prototype that was small and low cost / maintenance, with the capabilities of an air superiority day fighter. Though losing out to the General Dynamics YF-16 (later to become the F-16 Fighting Falcon), the YF-17 would see bluer skies in the form of the later F/A-18 Hornet aboard the carrier of the United States Navy.
After the failed LWF fly-off competition for the YF-17 Cobra, tests began with NASA over a seven week period that included in-flight pressure data recorded through sensors from all over the aircraft airframe, studies in transonic maneuverability, and stability and control factors in controlled forty-five minute long flights.
In the end, the YF-17 Cobra would set the stage for the first prototypes and production models of the highly successful F/A-18 series of aircraft, leading up to the "Super Hornet" design and the eventual successor to the much regarded F-14 Tomcat series of carrier-based interceptors.
The Lightweight Fighter Program called for a prototype that was small and low cost / maintenance, with the capabilities of an air superiority day fighter. Though losing out to the General Dynamics YF-16 (later to become the F-16 Fighting Falcon), the YF-17 would see bluer skies in the form of the later F/A-18 Hornet aboard the carrier of the United States Navy.
After the failed LWF fly-off competition for the YF-17 Cobra, tests began with NASA over a seven week period that included in-flight pressure data recorded through sensors from all over the aircraft airframe, studies in transonic maneuverability, and stability and control factors in controlled forty-five minute long flights.
In the end, the YF-17 Cobra would set the stage for the first prototypes and production models of the highly successful F/A-18 series of aircraft, leading up to the "Super Hornet" design and the eventual successor to the much regarded F-14 Tomcat series of carrier-based interceptors.
Media
Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed
Hi: 1500mph
Lo: 750mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (1,496mph).
Graph average of 1125 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
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LAX
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NYC
Graph showcases the Northrop YF-17A (Cobra)'s operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production (2)
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
2
2
Altitude Visualization
