The 1st YF-17A Cobra prototype at its birthing grounds Hawthorne (CA). It was rolled out at Hawthorne on 4 Apr'74, and was trucked to Edwards AFB (CA). The Cobra made its first flight on 9 Jun'74 and became on 11 Jun'74 the first US fighter to exceed the speed of sound in level flight without the use of an afterburner. The 2nd YF-17A (72-1570) flew for the first time on 21 Aug'74. The 2 prototypes carried out a series of 288 testflights totalling 345 hrs and participated in the Lightweight Fighter (LWF) program that the F-16 won. In 1976, this 1569 was sent to NASA Dryden for base drag studies

Northrop's addition to the Lightweight Fighter (LWF) program. After losing the LWF competition to the YF-16 it was used by the NASA. The YF-17 evolved of course developed into the successful F/A-18 Hornet. After a restoration at Western Museum of Flight it was given a paint scheme and a Top Gun marking once used by 72-1570.

Photographer unknown - ex USAF 72-1570 - Northrop was one of the candidates for the canadian New Fighter Aircraft (NFA) competition

F18 Prototype

Built for the USAF as 72-1570 as a competitor to the F-16. First flew in 1974. Transferred to the US Navy as 201570 in 1976 and used as an F-18 prototype. Preserved at Pensacola from 1989 then at USS Alabama Park, Mobile, AL from 1996.

F/A-18 Prototype Photographer: David Ostrowski.

Photographer: David Ostrowski.

Photographer: Steven Zink.

Photographer: David Ostrowski.

This was the second and last YF-17 built. It first flew as USAF 72-1570 on 21 Aug 1974 and was transferred to the US Navy in early 1976, receiving out-of-sequence serial 201570. The aircraft was in a design competition with the F-16, to which it lost. The design then lead to the development of the F-18.

Ex USAF serial 72-1570, transferred to the US Navy in early 1976 as serial 201570. Photographer: Mick Roth

Ex USAF 72-1570, transferred to the US Navy in early 1976. It received out-of-sequence serial 201570, just visible in this photo. Operated by Northrop. Photographer: Jean Magendie

Ex USAF serial number 72-1570, transferred to the US Navy in early 1976. It received out-of-sequence serial 201570, clearly visible in this photo. Operated by Northrop. Photographer: R Ray Leader.

Ex USAF serial 72-1570, transferred to the US Navy in early 1976 as serial 201570. Photographer: Mick Roth

Ex USAF serial number 72-1570, transferred to the US Navy in early 1976. It received serial 201570, which is clearly visible in this photo (one of the US Navy's many out-of-sequence serials). Operated by Northrop. Photographer: Jean Magendie

Ex USAF 72-1570. Photographer: Jean Magendie

Shortly before its transfer to the US Navy as 201570. Photographer: Peter Mancus

To the US Navy as 201570 in early 1976. Photographer: R. Ray Leader