Building the Hobby Boss 1/48th Scale YF-23 Stealth Fighter Prototype

This is a relatively short video covering the construction, painting, detailing and application of aftermarket decals on the 1/48th scale Hobby Boss YF-23 - (Kit #81722 and Caracal Decal set CD 48048).
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Custom YF-23 Decal Set: www.caracalmodels.com
Photo credits: The U.S. Department of Defense and the USAF
Music Credits:
Intro: “Space Choir” -Trilly 82
“Ambient Wave Harmonics 3” - deleted user 2731495 (Has been replaced due to retroactive copyright claim after this piece was originally (CC0) -- now shoe horned dubbed with "Rains Of Meghalaya" and "Elegy".
“Ambient Peaceful Synthesizer A” - InspectorJ
ERROR(s) for this video: Typo in quote of Test Pilot Paul Metz --"afterbruner" instead of afterburner.

[@Chris.Davies]

If they had built it instead, today we'd be admiring the YF-22 you just made!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Chris! :-)

[@bugstomper4670]

Not really. The YF-23 flew up to 60,000', went up to Mach 2.2, and flew farther than the YF-22. The (Y)F-22 only goes up to 50,000', goes Mach 1.8, and doesn't fly as far, before it needs refueling. However the (Y)F-22 does not look as weird looking, and had better marketing. So the USAF brass at the time chose the YF-22.

[@RIRI-el6xm]

@@bugstomper4670 What is the use of climbing to 60,000 feet for a hunter, while beyond 52,000 feet your blood begins to boil. Flying at high altitude in a space suit (like on the U2) is one thing, doing combat with this type of suit is just not believable. For the rest the F23 is a much better plane, LM is credible only in the field of corruption. The Su 57 and the SCAF take many aspects of the design of the f23 (except its typical wings), (something however bringing in low speed flight a consequent advantage by offering a very low stall speed without the need for a vortex generator (like the ducks or prominent apices (like F18), which increase the radar surface.)

[@jtjr26]

Amazing job. I always liked the YF-23 more than the YF-22. It just had a more futuristic look that I found appealing.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi jtjr26, so glad you like it! 😃

[@gcm747]

It’s hard to believe that both the YF-23 and YF-22 (now F-22) began their lives as concepts IN THE 80’s! Great build once again. Can’t wait for the Bismarck!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks gcm747! The Bismarck should be interesting!

[@reisk1777]

I was in the Air Guard when the YF-22 and YF-23 were having their fly off. I still remember having this strong connection with the YF-23. I was sure it would be the winner, it seemed so much more futuristic. Few people understand why the YF-23 sacrificed something as cool as thrust vectoring for a big improvement in infrared stealth, but for real-world uses I'm not sure we're better off with the F-22. In a nutshell, the F-23 was about stealth and the F-22 was about maneuverability (they can both fly at speeds that negate their max turning ability.) The F-22 looks great at an air show, I'm just not convinced it's going to be able to do a tail stand in combat.

[@commissarlugh1040]

i mean with all the grounded 22s I'm not sure we made the right choice.

[@danielkirkland3366]

F22 is a lemon Just a good reason to get your tax money to the fat cats that pull your presidents strings

[@OviWanKenovi]

@@commissarlugh1040 Chances are the YF-23 would be in the same situation, it was a lot more expensive and had problems too. We probably would end up with less YF-23s than we did with F-22s. Truth be told I like the YF-23 but I think we went with the right decision. The YF-23 was faster and stealthier that's about all it had on the YF-22. The YF-22 was still extremely stealthy, just barely less stealthy could turn quicker and are the same payload as a YF-23. And I might also add, the design of the F-22s thrust vectors help extremely with infrared stealth as well. And the YF-22 was cheaper and still far exceeded the Air Force requirements.

[@OviWanKenovi]

@@danielkirkland3366 The F-22 is no longer in production, hasn't been since 2012 try again.

[@k.t.1641]

Daniel Kirkland Lol. Another KZbin engineer. Apparently everything is a lemon....until it’s not. Literally every fucking plane is called a lemon because it’s not someone’s favorite. Even though they sell women’s suites or flip burgers for a living, and you want to tell the people who actually fly these things and praise it, it’s a lemon.....

[@bastiandijkstra6832]

Great to see the effects of black primer and white marbling. Every time again very useful vids!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Bastian!

[@williamroars8336]

I admire very much your attention to all the little details when your building the kits. When i were a lad i was an avid model builder mainly Airfix kits always loved making them from armoured vehicles to aircraft and ships. Unfortunately i never had the artistic bent one needs to decorate the kits, only basic paint jobs. That's why nowadays i get so much pleasure from watching you complete a kit. Thanks for Posting all your Videos.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks again, William! I sure appreciate your input and comments :-)

[@elnewbie2611]

I love the YF-23 blackwidow tbh the YF-23 looks more advanced than the actual F-22

[@sebastianchavez8483]

That's because it is

[@MrMulkerrins]

@@sebastianchavez8483 How can you tell if something is more advanced by looking at it's airframe ? The Raptor won the contract from the USAF for a reason.

[@sebastianchavez8483]

It won because it was a more conventional shape in turn making it cheaper to produce. In a 1v1 where there are no cost limitations the yf 23 would win because of the technology alone. It was basically to advanced for it's time which is why a variation of it is being built right now as a 7th gen fighter.

[@sebastianchavez8483]

If you look at my profile picture you might realize that I know what I'm talking about.

[@nabilbudiman271]

@@MrMulkerrins Lockheed won politically, if i'm not mistaken, YF-23 was more stealthy than the YF-22. And the Black Widow might have cost overrun if it went into full scale development since its cockpit and gear were used from the F-15E and F/A-18, USAF might be ask the manufacturer to made some clean sheet for the cockpit and the gear to suit their operational uses

[@405chiraq]

Man I’ve never clicked so fast...and I’ve never smiled so fast. Great vid.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Why thank you so much, Riley!

[@ryanyoung8245]

your painting technique works really well for this big aircraft.

[@WADIII]

Enjoyed the build. Always enjoy the facts you add during construction. Thanks for sharing!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks again WADIII Andrew!

[@larryshamlin8578]

You make it look easy,like your information that is fact based and very nice to hear about the aircraft you are building.Great work and nice build.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Larry, glad you enjoyed it all 😃

[@chancerNW]

Stunning build. I like that the decal manufactures had what if's in mind.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks ChancerNW, glad to hear most viewers are enjoying this episode!

[@Xinge90]

I really like your videos. Gives me a lot of inspiration! They're also very pedagogical and I've learnt a lot of useful techniques from you. Keep it up!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Xingjian Su! I must admit, you're the first person I have read use "pedagogical" in any context in many, many years! :-)

[@fredtedstedman]

HI Max , this is such a beautiful plane ,and a massive one in 1:48 . the looks of it grow on you ...........aaaah well . Wales Uk

[@cs8862]

Your videos are the best ones I have ever seen. I’m just starting to get back into modeling and your videos are a great help!!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Carlos, I'm glad they may be of use to your model building!

[@johnrocha6212]

Thanks for the vid, its been a long time comin'. I have 2 of this kit wanting to do both aircraft, but like other kits of this jet, the decals are in complete! Just now ordered a set from caracalmodels! Thanks again!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks John! I hope your projects turn out to be great successes!

[@IAMinCOMMAND32]

Why am I not surprised? Stunning work as usual!!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Jordan W!

[@thermalrider]

I would love to see you do a B-52 or maybe a B-1 lancer

[@TheOrrn]

Yes, i*d really love to see a B-52 build!

[@wwkdiecastmore5647]

Super nice build, that YF23 is a great looking aircraft, thanks for sharing!...Bill

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Bill!

[@Peter_Morris]

I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been playing Ace Combat 7 and my phone is always listening to what’s happening or what, but this popped up in my KZbin feed and you’ve got a new subscriber. I remember when the fly off was happening my high school friends and I were watched with eagerness to see which would be picked. We debated the pros and cons of each design as only teenagers could. Since I was in GA the Raptor was heavily favored, but looking back this one is just so aesthetically pleasing. I’m looking forward to going through your video catalog.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Peter, I hope you enjoy some of the other presentations!

[@franktyphoon98]

Yes, finally! So happy that you built this rather unknown subject max, thanks

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Master Villain! If it wasn't for the viewers, I may have not even considered this kit on my own.

[@gtv6chuck]

I love this plane and have been fortunate enough to see both prototypes. One is at the USAF Museum in Dayton Ohio, the other at the Western Museum of Flight in Torrance CA. I believe it is the most gorgeous plane ever made along with the SR-71 and Me262.

[@MaxAfterburner]

To have seen both YF-23s is no small feat these days considering the distance they are apart from each other 😃

[@gtv6chuck]

@@MaxAfterburner Yes, I took two roadtrips in either direction from home in Colorado, and one reason of many for going on each trip was to see these planes.

[@dak2005vn]

Relaxing to watch and super-informative as always. Thanks.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thank you dak2005vn, glad to hear you're enjoying the shows!

[@mpoyart]

Great work.Fantastic painting technique. Congratulations!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks again mpoyart 🙂

[@ryanwu332]

Stellar build! My first time seeing a build of this unconventional subject.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Ryan, it certainly was an unusual project for me!

[@oldforestroad]

Excellent build and I learned some stuff too, thank you! Love the drum practice pad stand.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Jim, great to hear, thank you! 😃

[@roman.g_1641]

If only there were a 72nd scale version of this! Then there would be one for me!

[@MachineHead3]

I like the way scrapping the paint on the cockpit panels.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Chris, thanks. It's one of those experiments/accidental discoveries that worked out.

[@theTutenstien]

I just got this kit, I am really suprised for 1/48th scale kit this looks huge. As big as my 1/48 flanker but for some reason it looks even bigger than what it actually is! :D Amazing build as always!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Arda, and have fun with your build! 😊

[@GaIvatr0n]

So therapeutic, an absolute joy to watch with my favorite plane! Noticed the ceramic tiles on the engines exhausts weren't charcoal grey/black enough and the flaps need to be recessed in.. Apart from that this is perfection! Subbed!!!

[@MaxAfterburner]

🙂

[@pranaykumar8305]

Simply amazing!! Been a fan of your work sir.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Glad to hear that, thanks so much, Pranay! 😃

[@LIKWID]

Absolutely awesome. I guess I'll be watching this before bed. Glad I checked my sub feed! ❤

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks LIKWID!

[@MegaJayquaza]

I just got this kit, glad to see it on your channel!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Mega Jayquaza, I hope parts of the video gave you ideas with what direction you want to take your YF-23!

[@tacticplanner7188]

Great video I made my son watch it to get some pointers. Great Job!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks, I hope it helps! 😃

[@stratonkaratassos3007]

I love the sinister look of this fighting machine. It’s my favorite.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Straton, many are still disappointed that it lost out to the YF-22 from years ago. The YF-23 truly looks as if it came from another world.

[@IDM112]

That is excellent work, really fascinating to watch.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks IDM112, I'm glad you were entertained! ;-)

[@mitchie2267]

Great work with the paint job!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Mitch!

[@raytheron]

Superb! Great build of an unusual subject.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Ray, thanks, I appreciate that!

[@darkknight1340]

Beautifully made example of a beautiful aircraft.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Dark Knight 13, hope you're having a great day 🙂

[@darkknight1340]

@@MaxAfterburner Yes,thank you,currently building hobbyboss's 1/48 A-10c and it's going together perfectly,so yes all in all a good day!

[@youngsimba1439]

This is my favourite fighter!!

[@MaxWelliver]

Very nice piece of work you built there! Quite the aircraft!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Max!

[@guadalupeandadre1557]

Master Model Builder looks real.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Guadalupe Andadre , thanks very much! 🙂

[@pkmodeling]

That is one of my all time favourite aircraft for sure. I built Dragons 1/72 kit a while back and I Will definately build it again. As usual, a very informative video and a beautiful build.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@pkmodeling]

@@MaxAfterburner I take it you have seen the documentary about the build process?

[@salc9593]

Thanks for posting your build of this kit and the music. I will be trying to find this kit.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Sal, Good luck with your model endeavors!

[@billbrowning3021]

Some argue that this aircraft actually won the competition with the YF-22. One of my fav prototypes. Great vid.

[@wooptydo6241]

I've read that the super-maneuverability and the prospect of a naval modification of the f-22 were the deciding factors. Then again, world governments have a history of supporting lockheed martin despite their failings (f-104 comes to mind)

[@OviWanKenovi]

@@wooptydo6241 I guess the P-38, F-117, C-130, U-2, SR-71 ETC were failures too?

[@wooptydo6241]

Austin Davis did I say that they’re aircraft a all failures? No, I said that governments often go with the Lockheed built vehicles despite issues and short comings in the prototypes. The p-80, for example, had one of their prototypes crash and kill its pilot while preforming a demonstration. While this would mean the end of the line for more modern prototypes usaf still ordered them for full production and found that they were obsolete as a fighter by the time the Korean War began. How about the f-22? Despite being slower and less stealthy than the yf 23 the yf-22 was chosen as the winner of the advanced tactical fighter competition. How about the f-16? In the light weight fighter technology evaluation program Northrop and Lockheed build competing designs. The Lockheed yf-16 and the Northrop yf-17. Despite the yf-17 being faster, more manoeuvrable and built as a fighter and not a multirole like the program requested; the yf-16 won anyway. Luckily the yf-17 was picked up by the navy and turned into a replacement for the a-7 Corsair and the f-4 phantom and was designated as f/a-18. I would recommend reading about how the f-104 seemed to end up in so many airforces to further prove my point.

[@OviWanKenovi]

@@wooptydo6241 despite being slower and less stealthy (Barely less stealthy) the F-22 was more maneuverable and less expensive while still far exceeding the Air Forces requirements. Seems like the logical choice to me. The F-16 was not a Lockheed designed aircraft it was designed by General Dynamics which was originally designed as a lightweight fighter which outmaneuvered the YF-17 no problem. The only advantage the Yf-17 had against the YF-16 was the 2 engines vs 1. It wasnt until later when Lockheed bought General Dynamics and the F-16 that it became a multi role aircraft. The F-16 still out maneuvers the F/A-18 as well in high speed turna but if the F/A-18 gets it to drain energy then the Hornet is more maneuverable. Might I also add the F/A-18 itself is a multi role aircraft. Literally in the designation Fighter/Attack-18. I think I misunderstood your original comment and thought you were saying all Lockheed craft were trash. Yes I'll know about the F-104and yes I'm aware of the P-80s crash. Anyways sorry if my original comment came as aggressive no intentions of that. Cheers!

[@wooptydo6241]

Austin Davis I was un-aware of the cost differences in the ATF prototypes, thanks for the information. As for the yf-17 and the f/a-18; the yf-17 was built as a fighter as that was the request of the program but after losing it was taken in to the revived naval fighter attack experimental (VFAX) program. Since it was estimated to be too expensive to replace all of the navy’s attack fighters with f-14s. Thus, the yf-17 was enlarged and turned into 3 modifications: a fighter, an attacker and a two seated trainer but by the completion of the program the fighter and attacker variants were combined into the f/a-18a. So the cobra/hornet wasn’t designed to be a multi-role but became one through its near decade long developments.

[@jimhanna9251]

Beautiful job on the most beautiful fighter since the Spitfire.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Jim 🙂

[@herpahezen]

Have always loved the looks of these airplanes. I saw this model in my local shop, I think next time I am there and have the money I will pick it up.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Inola Fox, when you do, I hope it brings you great joy and entertainment!

[@kin3ticwav]

Beautiful job. I am inspired to try one myself. It'll never look as good as this but I think the YF-23 is a beautiful aircraft.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Kin3tic 🙂

[@kin3ticwav]

@@MaxAfterburner thank you for the video! Love watching these.

[@denofearthundertheeverlast5138]

I've never really been into modeling before, even though as a youngster I did try a few, however you are bringing out the kid and adult out in me as I was hardly ever allowed because of money issues to get the cool toys other kids were being able to have...I'm watching with a big strong vodka and OJ in my hand and flying around my new Millennium Falcon complete with sound effects and laser cannon sounds...lol

[@fredtedstedman]

Wonderful model , yes , What If ????? so futuristic Wales UK.

[@MottysMilitaryModels]

Hi buddy , how are you all ? Wow, yet another masterpiece !! The video is excellent, full of info again too ! I saw this kit and I think a couple of weird Ruskie Yaks too that Hobbyboss do !! Looking forward to your next masterpiece !! Oh wow it's the Bismarck !! Another one of my kits I'd love to get !! I have two floaty things in the stash and want to do one this year !!! Anyway, stay safe my friend

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks, always great to hear from you and of your kind support!

[@jeffmagallanes4466]

Beautiful Work!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Jeff, you're very kind!

[@ammarmar3628]

No wonder people were asking for it, it's one beautiful aircraft :) I have one on the shelf as well, it's a 1:72 Italeri, since it is my scale. Built many years ago, when the actual ATF competition was still on. BTW, the main gear is very prone to breaking, because of its unusual configuration. I fixed mine by replacing whole section of it with one made from steel wire and shaped with putty.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks ammarmar! I've found that this kit's landing gear is fairly sturdy, so I'm not too worried about it collapsing.

[@bpezzano1]

Great build,my friend!

[@MaxAfterburner]

And thanks to you, bpezzano1!

[@SprueFascinationChannel]

That bird is special.

[@Jpriest13]

The better plane didn't win. YF -23 was always my favorite. Built the Collect Aire kit about 16 years ago.(resin, and company out of business). If the top and bottom fuselage pieces had fit, it would have been a better kit. Bubbles and resin blotches in many places also(leading /trailing edges positionable) Looked forward to this kit since it is so much less labor intensive, but the detail on this kit is actually lacking compared to the Collect Air kit, other than the gear bays.

[@manifestman132]

This was the better looking plane. I have heard it was because the F22 had a operational weapons system and this did not.

[@MaxAfterburner]

I believe I read this too. The YF-22 was already doing weapons tests and the YF-23 wasn't there yet.

[@llynellyn]

@@MaxAfterburner The YF-22 won because it was cheaper and due to backroom deals. All the test pilots who flew both said the YF-23 was the better plane.

[@recoilrob324]

@@llynellyn There also was the question of reproducibility being that the YF-22 was much more conventional and the AF tends to go with evolutionary vs revolutionary technology when possible. The YF-23 DID outfly the YF-22...but not enough to warrant the risks of production and both met all performance requirements. Same thing happened with the engines....I was at P&W at the time (and worked on both sets of test engines) so we were getting reports from the tests. Seeing the pictures we all thought the YF-23 looked better as it's a really nice package. The GE engines did outperform ours in some areas but again both met all of the requirements. The GE guys were reportedly thinking they had it in the bag being that they matched or exceed us in all areas...except the couple that made the AF choose P&W...those being technology and serviceability. The AF wasn't sure about the 'adaptive cycle' and were more comfortable with the long proven designs we used, and the kicker was our engines were MUCH easier to work on. We REALLY sweated the details making it easier to maintain and I believe this was the deciding factor in the end. Easier to service means better availability and lower costs per flight hour.

[@TheLouHam]

@@llynellyn pretty sure it was the fact that Northrop at the time was in big trouble in Congress for doing messed up stuff, and was seen as a lot less trustyworthy than Lockheed, and not because of any back room deals.

[@TheRealHawkeye]

I love your videos. Thank you sir!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks TheRealHawkeye!

[@jcwoodman5285]

This is the COOLEST looking jet age actual aircraft. #1😘

[@stephanedavid3421]

As the real airplane, your kit is a pure beauty.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks so much Stéphane!

[@Red-rl1xx]

Super cool! Always liked the YF23! This video turned up in my recommendations, so I thought I'd come over and check it out. Liked what I saw and subbed! Lots of cool stuff!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Red 13!

[@jackcalvar6489]

This is such a beautiful aircraft...What a shame it was never put into production.

[@VonDrinkoften]

Nice looking build mate.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks James C!

[@FernandoRomero-eh4kg]

I saw an actual YF-23 and let me tell you the engines are so fricking big I could just crawl inside and live there it’s like a cave

[@MaxAfterburner]

Amazing! 👍

[@U20101954]

nice work!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks U20101954!

[@mustangbob51]

of course this is just my opinion without facts to base it upon but i believe that this plane would have been a force to reckon with. as always you do great work. thanks for posting!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks, who knows what could have been?

[@-sailboatmodel]

Hello Watching your videos. I really like your technique. Very beautiful models turn out.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Спасибо! Рад, что тебе понравилось.

[@yoryteperman429]

Just got the HobbyBoss YF23 & the Hasegawa's F-22 kits for my ‘winter quarantine’ entertainment. That is how I just discovered your videos - Thank you for sharing the tips for kit assembly and painting! Also saw plenty of misguided but rather predictable arm-chair comments about these two 5th generation planes in your comment section, and thought of contributing my proverbial two cents: Firstly, some still find YF23 shape more advanced. Well, a “distributed fuselage” design was not novel in 1980’s, as both Russian SU-27 and MiG 29 families of aircraft separated cabin pod and engine pods that are held together by a wing ‘cartilage’… Having said that, a traditional fuselage of F22 harks back much further - to the very beginnings of aviation, so, indeed, it could be argued that the overall 4th gen shape of YF23 was more novel than YF22 design… Also, it is important to remember that YF-22 and F-22 are two VERY different aircraft! - For starters, all of the proportions in the F22 has changed during the design development phase - the fuselage length and shape, position and shape of cabin & its faring, wings location and their overall shape in both plan and section, tails location, their canting geometry and their overall shape, as well as position of engines within the plane. Thinking of it, I actually do not know what was kept unchanged from YF22! In the end, F-22 ended up absorbing “lessons learned” from the entire ATF program, i.e. some little ideas from YF23 percolated down to an F22 as well! So, while a comparison between an YF23 & an YF22 is apt, it is not really possible to compare an under-cooked ‘concept-plane’ YF23 to a fully developed serial-production F22. Now, it would be great to see a comparison of finished 1/48 models of YF22 and F22 side-by-side, to observe the differences, so, perhaps you’d consider tackling a YF22 as your next project?? Keep up the good work! Cheers!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi yory teperman, thanks, I'm glad you found the channel and I hope it provides some useful information and maybe some tips that will lend to great successes in your builds! 😇

[@Mithranos]

I enjoy your videos. I remember when this aircraft was up against the F-22 for contracts . I wanted the YF-23 to win just because I liked the look. I wonder if it would have been as good as the F-22 turned out to be. Ha...now I'm going to search for "RC YF-23" Thanks.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Scott! There are indeed some large scale RC YF-23s out there.

[@terrybrown8539]

I like this aircraft but had read somewhere that the kit was a pig so never bought one when I saw them on shelves some years ago. This has changed my mind (although the kit reflects its age) and I'll have to hunt one down so thanks.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi terrybrown8539, I hope you can find one soon and enjoy the build! The custom Caracal YF-23 decals I used on this model became sold out for some time, but they have recently re-issued that particular sheet due to high demand.

[@terrybrown8539]

@@MaxAfterburner Have easily found and bought one locally on line. Looks quite nice in the box and hopefully nice on the shelf alongside the Revell SR71 when that gets built.

[@gordonreed2736]

U can get the full view of the f23a on some sites. That's the one I'll get. Been building this for 30yrs. now

[@PashaDefragzor]

Exoskeleton toy where created by some Japanese designers a long time ago, looks like they ahead of time

[@craigseymour1099]

For a clear coat that will never tarnish, try mixing testors window cement with water. Recommend a 2 to 1 or 6 to 3 cement to water ratio. In general the glue is us main part you need. But it's a little thick. So I add only a little water to thin it out a bit. Once applied, it will better preserve your finish and won't ever rub off fade or tarnish.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Craig, thanks for the tip! 😎

[@allgood6760]

Awesome.. like something you find in a Clint Eastwood movie. 👍

[@MaxAfterburner]

Firefox! 😉

[@johnwiesen4440]

One of your comets about how fast it went is the same as the TSR2 it out paced a English Electric Lightning, The TSR 2 had reheat only on one engine the lightning had both on. Again a plane that should have gone into service.

[@xx-xw4mq]

great job man, videos always very interesting even under the historical profile, sorry for my english ..

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks x x!

[@antonio-tt7js]

👏👏👏👏👏👍👍 excelente trabajo.

[@tanitatt]

Got this kit in my stash too

[@oceanvibesphotography8395]

awesome model mate looking Ford two seeing the Bismarck

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Riley! I have a feeling the Bismarck is going to take some work for sure!

[@stashobbies92]

very nice model!

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks :-)

[@ChristopherLScott]

Great work. Sad it never went into production.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks Christopher! Imagine if they could have had both the YF-22 and the YF-23 go into production.

[@JohnBarrow1961]

Given the glowing reviews from the pilots, the Raptor must be one hell of an airplane to have beaten out the YF-23.

[@mogaman28]

Politics says: Hold my beer.

[@bluedelta1575]

For the next project, i would suggest the Hasegawa 1/48 F-16F Bloc 60 because there are not many videos or reviews around

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Sky Kid, my base was the first to receive the F-16E/F Block 60s when the UAE purchased the aircraft and based their initial training at the 162nd FW in Arizona.

[@gnashings]

Great Video!!! I'll be honest, as far as my particular tastes go, airplanes peaked in 1943-44 ish lol and the further we get from there the less I care. This is no slight to the engineering, performance, etc.., Just what gets me going. So, the fact that you took this flying bowl of grey nachos and made a video I enjoyed IMMENSELY is a credit to you, sir. I learned a lot, both about the plane and from your techniques, and as always, watched it a couple of times with a huge smile on my face. As an aside, I've heard that the ATF winner was a largely financial/political decision, and have read opinions from people who flew these planes that if it was up to a pilot, it would be the YF-23. That's second hand internet knowledge though, so take it with a pinch of salt, it's not my area of expertise by a long shot. I love what you achieved with this paint job, btw - and the just right weathering. Kudos.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks gnashings, I'm thrilled you enjoyed the video!

[@Aminuts2009]

My father was on the design team that built that aircraft.

[@cristianocollarin2236]

Sad day when usaf told the winner.

[@christinabishop2533]

Agreed, especially since this was such a better performer.

[@Aminuts2009]

@@christinabishop2533 What i was told, was that if Lockheed didn't get the contract they would have gone bankrupt. So, for that reason it was given to them. The Government didn't want Lockheed to go under.

[@petermoscone3115]

hi tom, thanks for another clear concise build. luv your work. question, what filler did you use on yf-23, and what did you use to swab away excess filler ? looking forward to another of your builds..

[@amazonamazon4872]

I really enjoy these videos, i wouldce preferred the YF-23 being built over the 22 as it performed better, but as always the govt went with the cheaper option, im sure the relationship lockheed also helped as well. Ive recently got my favorite aircraft of all time to build the MiG-25 PD Foxbat by ICM, but have placed it in storage as my health has been declining considerably recently. Im hoping to finish it eventually 😔

[@MaxAfterburner]

I hope you get better and back to building that Foxbat. 🙂

[@michaelfrench3396]

Great model! Perhaps a mirrored stand so you can see the bottom details?

[@foabmoab]

Nice one, Max :D

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks :-)

[@AvengerII]

Actually, the thrust ratings for the YF119 and YF120 were NOT the same. The YF119 put out slightly less thrust -- 32,000lbs in afterburner. The YF120 DID produce the preferred 35,000lbs thrust in afterburner. This got reported on in Aviation Week and some of the early ATF books, two of which I own. P&W scaled up the YF119 after the competition. It's believed the production F119 engines may be more powerful than 35,000lbs thrust. I've heard 37,000-38,000lbs thrust which is believable. The 28,000lb thrust GEF110 first-generation engines (used in the Block 30 F-16Cs and the F-14B/D Tomcats) produce up to 30,400 lbs thrust in-flight. They called this thrust increase phenomenon "Ram Recovery" in the old TF30 engines the F-14 used.

[@AvengerII]

That difference in thrust between the YF119 and YF120 engines is the main reason why the YF120-powered prototypes of BOTH the YF-22 and YF-23 flew faster than the YF119 powered prototypes during the ATF dem/val sorties. 6,000 lbs extra thrust is nothing to sneeze at! The difference was 0.15 Mach for the two YF-22 protypes. The YF119 PAV-2 flew Mach 1.43 supercruise, the YF120 PAV-1 flew Mach 1.58... It's widely believed the YF-23 prototype with the YF120 engines reached at least Mach 1.8 in supercruise but its supercruise speed was classified at the time.

[@MrBMBuilder]

Just subbed, nice channel looking and doing my first plane soon

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks MrBMBuilder, I wish you fun and great success on your project!

[@AvengerII]

You know, There IS an anime tie-in to the YF-23. Like the F-14, the YF-23 was adapted into a Macross variable fighter design. The YF-21 in Macross Plus (and the later production VF-22) was CLEARLY BASED on the YF-23 Northrop prototype. The resemblance of that variable fighter to the real world YF-23 is clearly obvious. It's even closer than the VF-1 Valkyrie is to the F-14 Tomcat. The other anime tie-in to the YF-23 is the major plotline of Macross Plus, the next-generation variable fighter fly-off to replace the then frontline VF-11 Thunderbolt, is BASED on the ATF competition. The story is that Shoji Kawamori, the director of Macross Plus and THE DESIGNER of the variable fighters in the original Macross anime and Macross Plus, visited Edwards Air Force Base in 1990. Whether he saw the YF-22 and YF-23 there while he visited, I really don't know. But the plot of the Macross Plus OVA/movie series was inspired by the ATF competition and the YF-21/VF-22 Sturmvogel is based off the real YF-23 Black Widow II prototype. Oh, and the plane that won the Macross Plus next-gen fly-off was a forward swept wing design, the YF-19 Excalibur! The YF-19 looked like a cross between the F-14 and the later Su-47 experimental FSW fighter. The Su-47 DIDN'T exist at the time so the YF-19's wing was inspired by the Grumman X-29 in actuality. The Su-47 IS closer to the YF-19 in general layout, though.

[@soupfork2105]

Such a pretty plane, shame they picked the F-22, glad there’s kit of it in 1/48

[@MaxAfterburner]

The YF-23 kits seem to be out of production. You may have to search for it.

[@kylarkins4196]

Love this plane, any plans for a forward swept wing aircraft like the X29 or Su47?.

[@SATO_FD2R]

*_My all time favorite aircraft, it’s a shame that the Widow was a 6th gen Fighter that was brought to a 5th competition!_*

[@demanischaffer]

Wait, how was the 23 even close to 6th gen?

[@SATO_FD2R]

TheReal Lifehacks r/whoosh

[@constantiniasmith4231]

I saw you in f1 comment section

[@yoryteperman429]

Firstly, a “distributed fuselage” design in YF23 was not novel in 1980’s, as both Russian SU-27 and MiG 29 families of aircraft separated cabin pod and engine pods that are held together by a wing ‘cartilage’… Having said that, a traditional fuselage of F22 harks back much further - to the very beginnings of aviation, so, indeed, it could be argued that the overall 4th gen shape of YF23 was more novel than YF22 design… Also, it is important to remember that YF-22 and F-22 are two VERY different aircraft! - For starters, all of the proportions in the F22 has changed during the design development phase - the fuselage length and shape, position and shape of cabin & its faring, wings location and their overall shape in both plan and section, tails location, their canting geometry and their overall shape, as well as position of engines within the plane. Thinking of it, I actually do not know what was kept unchanged from YF22! In the end, F-22 ended up absorbing “lessons learned” from the entire ATF program, i.e. some little ideas from YF23 percolated down to an F22 as well. So, while a comparison between an YF23 & an YF22 is apt, it is not really possible to compare an under-cooked ‘concept-plane’ YF23 to a fully developed serial-production F22.

[@cipher0325]

This should have one and there could be a possibility of an alternative universe were the YF-23 was made to the f-23

[@hugoc9227]

Great video. I would love to see you build the Kitty Hawk Su-35.

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks for the suggestion MrZero! I need to try out a Kitty Hawk model and see how good they make their kits.

[@hugoc9227]

Max_Afterburner I own a Kitty Hawk kit and from what I can see and hear they are quite good but there are occasional fit issues and detail can sometimes be less than other manufacturers. Looking forward to your ship build!

[@evilwarcow]

Der Gabbelschwanz Teufel Bitte! In English please do a P38 Lightning! Also very nice job on this model I really like seeing it. And the door slamming part in the museum made me about jump out of my skin. XD

[@MaxAfterburner]

Thanks evilwarcow! I added the door sound effect just to make sure no one fell asleep! ;-)

[@kacyklepper6297]

The YF-23 black widow was very futuristic even though it lost the competition to the YF-22 raptor. But if the YF-23 had won we would’ve Ben amazed if we saw it at a air show doing it’s demonstration. But when the f-22 raptor was at the Dayton air show I was amazed how it did it’s flying maneuvers and, it’s performance. Have you ever seen the f-22 raptor at an air show doing it’s flying performance ?

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Kacy, I've had the opportunity to view the F-22 Raptor perform demo routines a handful of times at air shows and military only performances. It's actually one of my favorite fighter jets now. As you yourself witnessed, its capabilities are an amazing thing to see!

[@rechfurlan]

I like your models and your videos are well edited! Can i ask how many P.S.I do you use to paint with the air brush? I think i use too much pressure =\

[@MaxAfterburner]

Hi Leandro, thanks! I don't have a pressure gauge on my compressor, but I believe I'm shooting around 20-22 psi.

[@davewellings6281]

I was expecting Riders on the Storm to kick in

[@MaxAfterburner]

☂️