Forum: Military Aircraft of the Cold War

Dang! I was really hoping to get to work on those things one day I thought they were the coolest looking planes ever. But never got the chance though got stuck in craptaculur nellis. Does anyone know if they have been fully declassified yet or are they going to wait x number of years for that? Also why is it that with so few of them why dont they just sent all of them over at the same time(with regards of course that the replacements are there at holly) instead of sending a them a few at a time. The only reason I can think of is in case we go to war with some high tech country like china, russia, or even iran.

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Yeah, there a couple of reasons why we don't just retire them all now. Obviously Holloman AFB does not have any of it's replacement F-22s yet. We have to have something to do or ACC would have a fit. Plus we still have AEF responsibilities: http://www.kunsan.af.mil/shared/media/d ... 28-201.pdf .
Even though the stealth is retiring, we are still 100% deployable ready to go anywhere, anytime. These aircraft are still a major power until the F-22 beds-down in southern New Mexico.

Quote:

got stuck in craptaculur nellis.

What's wrong with Nellis? I thought working Aggressors would be a cool assignment... if that's what you're doing?

MabJab23,

I'm thinking he's just not too thrilled with the weather, especially with summer coming up Wink

.

How much do you all want to bet that it is not REALLY the F-22 that is replacing the F-117 at all?

Seeing as the 49th is slated to receive the Raptor, then I'd say the odds are pretty good that this is what will be happening.

I guess I'm old school. I still remember when the 49th flew Eagles. Anyone else remember when they flew the A model demo?

Sorry to see this beginning.

TC wrote:

Seeing as the 49th is slated to receive the Raptor, then I'd say the odds are pretty good that this is what will be happening.

I guess I'm old school. I still remember when the 49th flew Eagles. Anyone else remember when they flew the A model demo?

We'll just have to see whether there isn't any other unit flying some shady aircraft that is really replacing the F-117. Everyone knows the F-22 is no replacement for the F-117. Just remember that the F-117 flew for nearly a decade before being unveiled to the public.

I am also sad to see the F-117 go. It struck fear into our adversaries because they could not see it. What you cannot see scares you the only way the F-117 was "seen" was by the effects of its bombs. Now it is passing the torch on to the F-22. Again the only way it will be "seen" is when you watch it go by while you float down riding your parachute. It is the swan song for the 1st generation of stealth.

What a sad,sad day. Its always a shame when they begin retiring an airframe. I know the replacements are always good news, but just the same, all those aircraft were someone's pride and joy...
I was fortunate enough to be at NELLIS when they were revealed to the public for the first time. I remember the feeling of awe when I saw one for the first time. although I never had the pleasure of turning wrench's on one, even I will miss them.

idesof wrote:

We'll just have to see whether there isn't any other unit flying some shady aircraft that is really replacing the F-117. Everyone knows the F-22 is no replacement for the F-117. Just remember that the F-117 flew for nearly a decade before being unveiled to the public.

Luke and R2 just cranked the JFS on their X-Wing at Tonopah. Prolly truer than I think, but I don't go there...

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Regarding a replacement for the 117...

F-117:

- Low RCS

- Subsonic, no ABs

- Not intended for High G flight

- No gun

- No defensive armament

- Able to carry two bombs

F-35:

- Lower RCS

- Supersonic

- Able to dogfight at high G's

- Has cannon and AA missiles

- Able to carry several types of AG munitions

- Will eventually replace AV-8B, A-10, F-16, F/A-18C, and F-117

TC wrote:

Luke and R2 just cranked the JFS on their X-Wing at Tonopah. Prolly truer than I think, but I don't go there...

Dude, you got me laughin' my alpha off LMAO

!!!

idesof wrote:

We'll just have to see whether there isn't any other unit flying some shady aircraft that is really replacing the F-117. Everyone knows the F-22 is no replacement for the F-117. Just remember that the F-117 flew for nearly a decade before being unveiled to the public.

I wouldn't discount such an aircraft too quickly, especially something lurking out at Groom. I do think that the Raptor will work just fine in comparison to the F-117 with its speed and stealth. Sure, it can only carry 1000 pounders, but if you really need to bring the heat with a stealth, call up a B-2 Very Happy

!

Still sad to see the Chupacabras go back to Tonopah this way...

Yes, really sad to see those birds go. Even with the F-22A, the F-117 was something unique...something special indeed!

I had an Uncle who was part of the HAVE BLUE program back in the '80s. What an amazing story!

Sad that they will be in storage at Tonopah...was hoping most of those birds went to museums and 'gate guards'. And to keep a few for air shows in the future...I have seen '117s at airshows since 1998 and hope to keep the trend going!

Obviously, the F-22 will be more than a worthy replacement for the F-117. Actually, IMO, the F-35 Lightning II is a better replacement for the Nighthawk as it can carry the same weight class of A2G weapons (2,000 pounders) internally. But I don't think anybody at Hollowman is going to turn down the F-22. LOL!

But the F-117 has a special place in my heart. Nothing else looks like it. It is one of a kind. I guess that's why I chose the name "Scorpion 1 (alpha)". Very Happy

idesof wrote:

How much do you all want to bet that it is not REALLY the F-22 that is replacing the F-117 at all?

Goatsuckers II: The Sequel

Rolling Eyes

Don't expect to see any real info on them anytime soon. Remember how long the SR-71 has been gone, and we still don't know exactly how fast or high it flew. Sure would like to know though, along with the actual radar cross section of the 117.

Forum: Military Aircraft of the Cold War

First six F-117s sent to Tonopah "Boneyard"