6th Gen project from Lockheed (from Skunkworks commercial).
Ironic and-
Truly a thing of beauty.......makes me wonder why the Northrop YF-23 was not built, if not for the USAF; for Naval Use.......much like the F-16 vs F-17 (turned into the F-18) and /or F-15s vs F-14s.......or the JUCAV's (build 'em both).......
In most fly-off contract awards, I've too often believed both birds should either be built for both branches, less that POS F-22, which flat out will always be an inferior design; IMO biased Opinions......
and in those "most cases" (other than the F-22***) both Vehicles are more than worthy of either/or branch of Military.........
*** Myself and numerous other buddies, and work associates, had too damn much invested, time wise, creativity wise, and overall over engineered our entry, so it wouldn't have any real competition to speak of..........but of course, when Politics enter the game, and Lockheed would of been re-furbishing C-141s and KC-10s for the rest of their lives...........the House Armed Service Committe, with extreme Political pressure(s); to Award a ATF Contract to the lesser (by far) of the 2 competing Birds Contractors........was gut wrenching, especially when the HASC, stated: "half of this ATF Contract, will be determined for Award, due to the Contractor's capability to deliver their AC Product on Time".
On the day of supposed delivery for 1st day of Flight Testing: Northop, had Our entry on the tarmac engines running, just waiting for the word to take to the skies, while Lockheed, scurried to complete their 6 month extension or waiver, for that deadline, that meant so damn much,.......to begin with, WTF..........!!!
Again, thanks for the Pic and Post,
I'll try to post a few designs of some other G6s Prototypes, that either came or will come close.......(later this eve)........Thanks Tom:
