The YF-23 aircraft, which gave the YF-22 (the precursor to the F-22 Raptor) a strong fight, flew for the first time thirty-five years ago, marking a watershed moment for its manufacturer, Northrop Grumman, the developer of the B-2 Spirit and B-21 Raider stealth bombers.  The F-22 Raptor, which entered service in 2005, is the crown … Continue reading F-22 Raptor’s ‘Biggest Rival’ Flew 35 Years Ago! Why Did B-21 Raider’s Developer Lose USAF Contract To Lockheed Martin?