The F-117 Stealth Fighter is being retired

[hueterm]

I went to the AF Museum about 12 years ago, and the F117 was there then, I think they've added some new things since. It was a great place to see.

[Blackout]

Originally Posted by CIWS

It had a very special and difficult mission to perform with technology coming out of the 70s when it was designed. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy.

Tis true but this thing was around for a lot longer then it really needed to be and after talking with a couple of guys who had to work on them they were so happy to hear that it was getting retired.

[dkozloski]

I see in the paper this morning that the F-117 replacement has turned into a TRILLION dollar deal.

[Blackout]

Originally Posted by dkozloski

I see in the paper this morning that the F-117 replacement has turned into a TRILLION dollar deal.

I dunno why they would even bother wasting money on a replacement. The F-117 was a small stealth bomber, well we have a much bigger stealth bomber in the B-1 and the F-117 had no way to defend itself while the Raptor can. The F-117's replacements are already here IMO

[MN-STS-LOVER]

Originally Posted by 93DevilleUSMC

^^ Post that video!

I would but I don't have a DVR I can't get it off of the VHSC tape. I know I need to get more "digital" but I bought my camcorder 8 years ago before digital and it still works great.

[dkozloski]

Originally Posted by Blackout

I dunno why they would even bother wasting money on a replacement. The F-117 was a small stealth bomber, well we have a much bigger stealth bomber in the B-1 and the F-117 had no way to defend itself while the Raptor can. The F-117's replacements are already here IMO

The F-22/F-35 program is going to cost a TRILLION dollars.

[CIWS]

Originally Posted by Blackout

The F-117 was a small stealth bomber, well we have a much bigger stealth bomber in the B-1 and the F-117 had no way to defend itself while the Raptor can. The F-117's replacements are already here IMO

B-2 ? (the B-1 isn't very stealthy)

Originally Posted by dkozloski

The F-22/F-35 program is going to cost a TRILLION dollars.

At the time both the F-22 and the F-35 were proposed we were still in the Cold War and the projected production numbers at the time dictated the original pricing and development cost. Since that time of course the Cold War ended, military requirements reduced and final order numbers were greatly diminished causing the price of each aircraft to go up A LOT (same with the B-2).

However with the Russians getting "brave" again and the Chinese increasing their military spending and R&D into advanced aircraft, we better increase those orders back to original numbers.

[Chicano-Mexicano]

Originally Posted by Blackout

I dunno why they would even bother wasting money on a replacement. The F-117 was a small stealth bomber, well we have a much bigger stealth bomber in the B-1 and the F-117 had no way to defend itself while the Raptor can. The F-117's replacements are already here IMO

Well they want to replace it because A. It's Obsolete B. The Raptor is a superior stealth "fighter" as in only light bomb payloads C. The Russians are gearing up to produce the Su-47 Berkut (golden eagle) a Fighter/Bomber very intimidating.

Is this were 1987 issue C and A would Flip spots.

[Vesicant]

I find this interesting. On the new MiG-35 they have a revamped imaging system called OLS. They (the Russians) gloat it'll be great for tracking/targeting aircraft, even stealth craft. Based on visual and IR, I still doubt its potency compared to the long-range radar capabillities of the F-22.

http://www.aviapedia.com/video/new-mig-35-ols-video

[Chicano-Mexicano]

Originally Posted by Vesicant

I find this interesting. On the new MiG-35 they have a revamped imaging system called OLS. They (the Russians) gloat it'll be great for tracking/targeting aircraft, even stealth craft. Based on visual and IR, I still doubt its potency compared to the long-range radar capabillities of the F-22.

http://www.aviapedia.com/video/new-mig-35-ols-video

I wouldn't underestimate the Bear they might have more up their sleeves than you think.

[I~LUV~Caddys8792]

B2 FTW.

Best looking aircraft ever.

[Chicano-Mexicano]

Originally Posted by I~LUV~Caddys8792

B2 FTW.

Best looking aircraft ever.

I prefer the look of the Tu-160 blackjack

[I~LUV~Caddys8792]

Oh I forgot about this one....

The EKRANOOOOPLAAAAAN! (Caspian Sea Monster)

Definitely the best (oddest) looking bit of aviation ever made.

[Chicano-Mexicano]

Originally Posted by I~LUV~Caddys8792

Oh I forgot about this one....

The EKRANOOOOPLAAAAAN! (Caspian Sea Monster)

Definitely the best (oddest) looking bit of aviation ever made.

Ah the Soviet Union always keeping the world on it's toes.

I hear their's a reunion in the works for sometime in the near future.

[I~LUV~Caddys8792]

Soviet Reunion. LOL.