Jump to content
Sign in to follow this  
Viggen

A couple F-117s still flying?

Recommended Posts

 

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

 

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

What - and wiki says they are all retired :grin:

 

 

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

The best way to make them more stealthy, make everyone think they're retired.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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 :lol:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

any chance there are newer models that operate or being tested?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

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 by Jimbib

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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

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

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Sign in to follow this  

×

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue..