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Drop tanks on a Yf-23 Black Widow ?

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  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: Pineapple Country, Queensland, Australia
Drop tanks on a Yf-23 Black Widow ?
Posted by Wirraway on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 3:11 AM

 I am just starting the old Dragon 1/72 kit.  It is very bare as far as ordnance goes and I dont feel like scratching a weapons bay.  Would drop tanks be appropriate ?  I cant find any reference photos with tanks apart from one which was a "what if" build if the Yf-23 had been accepted for production and entered service.   

"Growing old is inevitable; growing up is optional"

" A hobby should pass the time - not fill it"  -Norman Bates

 

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  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Posted by ridleusmc on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 8:30 AM

I do not think drop tanks would be appropriate.  It seems like such drop tanks would negate the stealth characteristics of the plane.  I did a quick google image search and I didn't see any wing mounted drop tanks.  I'm no expert, but that's my best guess.  

  • Member since
    April 2016
  • From: Parsons Kansas
Posted by Hodakamax on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 9:21 AM

I was fortunate to get to walk around and under one of the two built YF-23 prototypes in a hanger waiting for its new home in the USAF Museum. This is the best picture I could get as it was parked under the nose of the only XB-70. Needless to say I was in awe! The YF-23 was clean underneath. Being stealthy I doubt it would ever carry drops. Of course it's just a prototype that went no further so hard to say. I think I myself would build the model for what it is, one of the only two in existence.

Max

  • Member since
    December 2006
  • From: Phoenix, AZ
Posted by Fly-n-hi on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 10:33 AM

I don't believe the YF-23 was ever plummed for external tanks.  The plane's internal fuel capacity was impressive.  My understanding is that the YF-23 can actually carry more fuel internally than the F-22 can with external tanks.

  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: Pineapple Country, Queensland, Australia
Posted by Wirraway on Thursday, July 6, 2017 3:42 AM
Thanks Guys- clean it is !

"Growing old is inevitable; growing up is optional"

" A hobby should pass the time - not fill it"  -Norman Bates

 

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  • Member since
    June 2016
  • From: Bristol CT
Posted by XF-15DCC on Friday, July 7, 2017 8:24 AM

on the other hand the F-22 has drop tanks and I'm sure there needs to be some external capability for ferry flights with out having to hit a tanker a bunch of times.

Clean is also nice...

 

Kevin

We live in fame or go down in flame. 

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: 29° 58' N 95° 21' W
Posted by seasick on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 12:55 AM

The YF-23 was set up for drop tanks. Like the F-22 the F-23 had tanks for ferry flights, also like the F-22 and F-35 there are combat missions that don't require low observable. Defensive counter air is one IIRC.  

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