The YF-17 Cobra was a lightweight fighter prototype for the USAF but lost to the F-16. The YF-17 evolved into the F/A-18 series, showcasing high performance and varied capabilities. The F/A-18 ...

One of the most interesting planes developed during America’s fourth-generation warplane development craze was the Northrop YF-17 “Cobra.” Designed to be a lightweight fighter aircraft ...

But the prototype from which the F/A-18 was developed, the YF-17, failed to impress U.S. Air Force reviewers considering bids for the Lightweight Fighter (LWF) program. The Air Force passed on the ...