Boeing Bird of Prey Shrouded in Secrecy Still

Named after a Klingon spacecraft from Star Trek and given the designation “YF-118G”, the jet incorporated dramatic design inside and out.

Jason McDowell

Tuesday, March 07, 2023 at 12:56 PM ET

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The striking Bird of Prey on display at the National Museum of the USAF in Dayton, Ohio. [Courtesy: Jason McDowell]

Key Takeaways:

After losing key military jet contracts in the late 1980s and early 1990s, McDonnell-Douglas launched the "Bird of Prey" (YF-118G) program in 1992 to advance stealth technology and demonstrate affordable aircraft development.
The Bird of Prey was a cutting-edge research aircraft primarily focused on extreme low observability, incorporating advanced radar cross-section minimization, infrared signature reduction, and unique visual camouflage techniques.
Affordability was a key program goal, achieved through rapid prototyping, extensive computer simulation, and the widespread use of off-the-shelf components, resulting in a reported cost of only $67 million.
The aircraft conducted 38 test flights between 1996 and 1999, proving successful enough to survive the Boeing acquisition and eventually be publicly unveiled and displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

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Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, McDonnell-Douglas was struggling to secure contracts for the production of tactical military jets. In 1986, after submitting multiple proposals for the USAF’s Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program, the company was excluded from the running. Later, it partnered with Northrop Grumman to develop the YF-23, only to lose to the F-22 in 1991.

Reeling from these losses, company leaders decided they needed to make up lost ground. Recognizing that stealth technology and affordability were key elements in future success, they launched a program in 1992 to develop their capabilities. This program entailed the design, manufacture, and testing of a cutting-edge research aircraft that would become known as the Bird of Prey.