Viggen 644 Posted June 18, 2011 Usually I'd just say BS and leave it at that, but judging by the rest of the videos this guy has on his account and the images on flickr, I'd say it's a legit video. I thought all the F-117As were in the hangars at Tonopah, partly dissembled. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+ST0RM 145 Posted June 19, 2011 Usually I'd just say BS and leave it at that, but judging by the rest of the videos this guy has on his account and the images on flickr, I'd say it's a legit video. I thought all the F-117As were in the hangars at Tonopah, partly dissembled. Videos and photos usually don't lie. Looks pretty legit to me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+JimBeamer5 23 Posted June 19, 2011 Was almost a year ago though. But still... JB5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MigBuster 2,884 Posted June 19, 2011 What - and wiki says they are all retired Guess they could have a requirement for using them for testing still - might be the only available stealth bird at the moment. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gr.Viper 131 Posted June 19, 2011 The best way to make them more stealthy, make everyone think they're retired. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MigBuster 2,884 Posted June 19, 2011 The best way to make them more stealthy, make everyone think they're retired. First they lie about their existence, then they lie they have been retired hmmmm Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nesher 628 Posted June 19, 2011 any chance there are newer models that operate or being tested? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slartibartfast 153 Posted June 19, 2011 Or they could be testing Anti-Stealth Technologies with them... or new materials etc... just in case. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Jimbib 747 Posted June 19, 2011 (edited) There's a good chance they are being used as a low observable target to test against. In the fleet's current state, it wouldn't take much to return some to airworthiness. Edited June 19, 2011 by Jimbib Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rambler 1-1 9 Posted June 20, 2011 Quick, somebody steal one! They'll never notice! Then we can keep at least one of these rare birds flying! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JediMaster 451 Posted June 20, 2011 Just because they're not used in combat anymore doesn't mean they don't make good FSTs to use against SAM radars, AA radars, missile seekers, etc. We don't have really any stealthy drones available for that, nor a spare F-22, B-2, or F-35 lying around. All you need is to keep the thing flying and stealthy (no need for other mission equipment to work) and you've got a great tool. Since the plane was a hybrid of existing plane parts, like Hornet engines minus AB's, I can't imagine it's that pricey to fly other than maintaining the stealth coating (the 117's Achilles heel). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
