Northrop YF-17 "Cobra" Prototype #1
Northrop YF-17 "Cobra" (Prototype #1)
at the Western Museum of Flight
Two prototypes of Northrop's Air Combat Fighter design were built in 1973-74. YF-17 "Cobra" Number 1 is at the Western Museum of Flight, Hawthorne, California. YF-17 "Cobra" Number 2 is at the US Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Florida. YF-17 "Cobra" Number 1 made its first flight at Edwards AFB on 9 June 1974 with Northrop Chief Test Pilot Hank Chouteau at the controls. It went supersonic in level flight, without afterburner, on its second flight.

Both YF-17 "Cobra" prototypes were employed as F-18 demonstration vehicles in the 1976-1979 time period. They were flown by pilots from NASA, the US Navy, the USMC, and foreign countries. Between 1980-1985, both the YF-17 "Cobras" remained in a preservative cocoon state at the Northrop Palmdale, California facility.

YF-17 "Cobra" Number 1 has been placed on loan by the USMC to the Western Museum of Flight for restoration and long term static display.

Northrop YF-17 "Cobra" Specifications
Manufacturer: Northrop Corporation, Aircraft Division, Hawthorne, California
Number Built: Two: Prototype #1 (s/n 201569)
Wing Span: 35 feet
Overall Length: 55 feet, 6 inches
Overall Height: 14 feet, 6 inches
Wing Area: 350 sq. feet
Clean Takeoff Weight: 23,000 lbs.
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 30,630 lbs.
Speed (Maximum): Mach 1.95
Speed (Cruising):  Mach 0.85
Ferry Range (W/Tanks): 2,800 miles
Service Ceiling: 60,000 feet
Powerplants: (2) GE YJ101 Turbojets rated at 15,000-lb thrust.
(Note: The YJ101 was the prototype to the F404 engine installed in the McDonnell Douglas / Northrop F/A-18 "Hornet" carrier based fighter.
Armament: (1) 20-mm Gatling gun (2) Wing tip IR missiles (4) Pylon stations for stores
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Last Update on 10.23.98