Northrop F-18 Prototype

[johnbr]

 

[Gnomey]

Good one!

 

[davparlr]

The YF-17 was a well designed airframe but lost quite a bit in transfer to the F-18. The fuselage thickness was increased to hold the larger gear and, I believe, more fuel. And of course the modification to accommodate naval carrier landing requirements, weight was increased by 2000 lbs. Wing area was also increased. I think top speed was reduce by about 200 mph.