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

Verified

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

Key Takeaways:

Developed by McDonnell-Douglas after military contract losses, the Bird of Prey was a secret research aircraft launched to advance stealth technology and demonstrate affordable aircraft development.
The YF-118G explored advanced stealth techniques, including minimizing radar and infrared signatures and using unique visual masking paint, prioritizing low observability over aerodynamic performance.
Affordability was a key focus, achieved through rapid prototyping, computer simulations, and extensive use of off-the-shelf components, resulting in a total program cost of just $67 million.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.