The YF-23 PAV-2 ‘Gray Ghost’: A Stealthy Prototype Fighter That Paved the Way for the F-22 Raptor
the YF-23 PAV-2, affectionately known as the ‘Gray Ghost,’ stands as a testament to innovation and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Developed by Northrop Grumman in the 1990s, this prototype stealth fighter was designed with a bold mission in mind: to replace the iconic F-16 Fighting Falcon and the versatile F/A-18 Hornet in the US Air Force.
While the YF-23 ‘Gray Ghost’ never entered production, its legacy endures as a precursor to the legendary F-22 Raptor, which emerged in the early 2000s.
The innovations and design principles of the YF-23 played a pivotal role in shaping the capabilities of the F-22, solidifying its place as one of the world’s most advanced fighter jets.
Though the ‘Gray Ghost’ may not have graced the skies as an operational fighter, its influence resonates in every flight of the F-22 Raptor, serving as a silent testament to the indomitable spirit of aviation pioneers who dared to push the boundaries of what was possible in the quest for air superiority.