On paper, the Lockheed consortium appeared to have substantial advantages over the Northrop group. Lockheed itself had experience in stealth technology with the F-117. General Dynamics, with its F-16, had extensive experience with fly-by-wire control systems. Boeing, the third leg of the stool, had long experience with avionics. In the other team, Northrop was a pioneer in low-observables and had developed the B-2. McDonnell Douglas was the premier builder of fighters in the country, and was revolutionary in the use of both titanium and composite materials.
