Northrop YF-17 Photograph Albums

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of two photograph albums pertaining to the Northrop YF-17 prepared by Northrop Corporation, Aircraft Division. The first is entitled: "Roll Out Ceremonies, United States Air Force / Northrop YF-17, April 4, 1974" and documents that event with items including color photographs of the aircraft, speakers, and festivities, and a copy of the invitation. The second album is entitled: "Flight Test Progress, United States Air Force / Northrop YF-17" and documents the first several flights of the aircraft. The album mainly contains captioned color photographs, but also includes a summary of the first five flights. Both albums contain a letter from Roy P. Jackson to George Gore that accompanied the albums when they were initially sent to Gore and contain some additional information.

Arrangement

Collection is in chronological order.

Biographical / Historical

The Northrop YF-17, unveiled in April 1974, was a prototype jet fighter developed for the USAF's lightweight fighter program. Powered by two General Electric J101 Turbojet engines, the YF-17 was a twin-tail aircraft with short swept wings. Northrop YF-17 No. 001 (A/C No. 01569) made its first flight on June 9, 1974 with Northrop Chief Test Pilot Henry E. "Hank" Chouteau at the controls. In total, two prototype Northrop YF-17 aircraft were built.

George Gore was a longtime Vice President and General Counsel for Northrop Corporation. The albums in this collection originally belonged to Gore and were sent to him by Roy P. Jackson, Northrop Corporate Vice President and Program Manager for the F-17 Program.