PUBLISHED on August 8, 2025, 10:39 PM EDT – Key Points and Summary – In a hypothetical showdown, the American YF-23 “Black Widow II” prototype is pitted against Russia’s Su-57 Felon.
-The outcome would likely depend on the engagement’s range. The YF-23’s superior stealth and speed would give it a decisive advantage in a beyond-visual-range (BVR) fight, allowing it to strike first.
-However, in a close-range dogfight, the Su-57’s “supermaneuverability,” enabled by its 3D thrust-vectoring engines, would almost certainly make it the victor. This tale of two fighters highlights a classic design trade-off: stealth and speed versus extreme agility.
YF-23 vs. Su-57: A Fighter Dual
Many people often wonder what would have happened had the experimental YF-23 been selected over the F-22 and put into service.
Reports indicated that the YF-23 outperformed the F-22 in many areas and would have been a better fighter for today’s environment.
Had it entered service, it would have had to face off against the very best fighter jets that Russia and China have to offer.
The Sukhoi Su-57 Felon is currently the most advanced fighter jet in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces.
Both fighters are remarkably advanced in terms of stealth technology and avionics, but which would win in a fight?
YF-23 vs. the Felon: The Breakdown
The YF-23, nicknamed “Black Widow II,” was Northrop’s entry into the U.S. Air Force’s Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) competition, which ultimately selected the Lockheed YF-22 (later developed into the F-22 Raptor).
Only two YF-23 prototypes were built, and although they demonstrated impressive capabilities, the aircraft never entered production. The design of the YF-23 emphasized stealth and speed over maneuverability.
Its diamond-shaped wings, all-moving V-tail, and engine exhaust troughs were all engineered to reduce radar and infrared signatures. The aircraft was intended to be a stealthy, high-speed platform capable of engaging enemy aircraft from long range without being detected.
In contrast, the Su-57, developed by Sukhoi under Russia’s PAK FA program, is a fifth-generation multirole fighter that prioritizes supermaneuverability, versatility, and advanced avionics.
First flown in 2010 and introduced into service in the early 2020s, the Su-57 is designed to perform air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. It features thrust-vectoring engines, internal weapons bays, radar-absorbing materials, and a suite of advanced sensors and electronic warfare systems. While stealth is a component of its design, it is not as central to the Su-57’s concept as it was for the YF-23.
Performance and Avionics
When comparing specifications, the YF-23 had a higher top speed, reportedly exceeding Mach 2.2, and was capable of supercruise. Its stealth characteristics were considered superior to those of the Su-57, thanks to its smoother surfaces, hidden engine exhausts, and overall shaping.
The Su-57, while also capable of supercruise, has a slightly lower top speed and a larger radar cross-section due to its exposed engine nozzles and less refined stealth geometry. However, the Su-57 compensates for this with exceptional agility, enabled by its 3D thrust-vectoring engines and aerodynamic design, allowing it to perform extreme maneuvers.
In terms of avionics and sensors, the Su-57 is equipped with the N036 Belka AESA radar system, which includes multiple radar arrays distributed across the aircraft for enhanced situational awareness. It also features an infrared search and track (IRST) system, electronic warfare capabilities, and a helmet-mounted display. These systems enable the Su-57 to detect and engage targets across multiple domains.
Unfortunately, due to it being a prototype, the YF-23 did not have a fully developed operational sensor suite. While it was expected to receive advanced avionics had it entered production, its prototypes were primarily focused on flight performance and stealth testing so we can’t really say for sure.
In terms of weaponry, both fighters possess a deadly arsenal. The YF-23, as a stealth-focused prototype, was equipped to carry up to six air-to-air missiles internally, including the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder, prioritizing beyond visual range (BVR) engagements with a minimal radar signature.
In contrast, the Su-57 fields a much more diverse weapons suite. With six internal and external hard points, it can carry a mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions both internally and externally, including R-77 and R-73 missiles, Kh-38 guided bombs, and even hypersonic weapons.
The Su-57’s weapons systems are integrated with advanced targeting sensors and electronic warfare capabilities, making it far more versatile in combat scenarios than the YF-23, which never progressed beyond the prototype stage.
Who Wins in a Fight?
In a hypothetical combat scenario, the outcome of a fight between the YF-23 and the Su-57 would depend heavily on the engagement conditions.
In a BVR encounter, the YF-23 would likely have the advantage due to its superior stealth and speed. Its low radar cross-section would make it difficult for the Su-57 to detect and track, allowing the YF-23 to engage from a distance with minimal risk of counterattack.
We don’t know much about its avionics, but if it is comparable to the F-22s, then there is a good chance it may see the Su-57, depending on the angle. The aircraft’s design philosophy centered on striking first and avoiding detection, aligning well with BVR combat doctrine.
However, in a close-range dogfight, the Su-57 would almost certainly dominate. Its thrust-vectoring engines and high agility give it a significant edge in close-quarters maneuvering.
The YF-23, while fast and stealthy, was not designed for tight turns or high-angle-of-attack maneuvers. In a scenario where both aircraft are visually engaged and maneuvering for position, the Su-57’s superior handling and missile agility would likely result in a win.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
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