The YF-23A, with the Pratt & Whitney engine, first flew on August 27, 1990. The first flight of the YF-22A, powered by the GE engine, took place on September 29, 1990, with Dave Ferguson at the controls. Both the Lockheed and the Northrop aircraft did so well during the test programs that the choice for production was considered up for grabs. The Air Force ultimately decided in favor of the Lockheed jet, saying that it offered greater value for the money. They also chose the Pratt & Whitney engine.
