Boeing YF-118G 🇺🇸 [Bird of Prey]
-Status: ❌Stealth demonstrator (1992–1999)
-Role: Stealth tech & flight-test platform
-Engine: 1xPratt & Whitney JT15D-5C
-Speed: ~300 mph (483 km/h)
-Flight tests: 38
-Construction: Advanced composites + low-observable design
It's a bizarre-looking aircraft built in secret to test new stealth, aerodynamics & manufacturing ideas but never became a fighter but its tech influenced later Boeing unmanned aircraft.
For the second year in a row I got to shoot the Blue Angels from the showbox on Pensacola Beach pier! Catching a jet flying at you at over 700 mph is the BEST of rushes!
Finally caught some fast jet action around AUS! Two F-5s from VMFT-401 and 402 stopped through on their way to New Orleans as Reaper05 and 09
Very happy to have seen the 402 jet, didn't even know it was around as only the 401 jet pinged on ADSB when they flew in
Another milestone in a remarkable career: 1,000 flights!
After 38 years with NASA Armstrong, aerial photographer Carla Thomas completed her 1,000th flight. Carla has captured NASA history from the sky aboard more than 20 different high-performance and science aircraft.