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 struggling to secure military jet contracts in the late 1980s and early 1990s, McDonnell-Douglas launched the "Bird of Prey" program in 1992 to develop advanced stealth capabilities and more affordable design and manufacturing processes.
The research aircraft incorporated cutting-edge stealth innovations, including an extremely low radar cross-section, buried engines to minimize infrared signatures, and unique paint shading for visual masking, deliberately sacrificing aerodynamic performance.
It pioneered cost-effective development through rapid prototyping, computer simulations, and extensive use of off-the-shelf components, completing its 38 test flights between 1996 and 1999 for a reported $67 million before being publicly unveiled and displayed at the USAF Museum.

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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.