Retirement of the F-117

scaeagles · 03-11-2008, 07:27 AM

I'm a bit of an aviation buff (though certainly no expert), and I found this to be quite interesting. Knowing that planes are not retired without something to take their place, I am certain the air force must have something well tested now that is taking it's place, which I figure means it's probably soon to be made known to the public.

Of course, I could be wrong. When the SR-71 was retired however many years ago that was, I figured the same thing, but then we never found out what it was that replaced it. A few SR-71s were returned to service for a short period of time, meaning that perhaps what they had to replace it didn't turn out so well. As many people assumed at the time, I figured it was the Aurora project, but I've haven't seem one yet and rumor has it that the aurora project was a failure.

blueerica · 03-11-2008, 07:37 AM

I will try to find out.

blueerica · 03-11-2008, 07:42 AM

OK, I will still wait for the 'word' from my man on the inside - but Wikipedia suggests that the F-22 and the F-35 will be the eventual replacements.

The F-117 wasn't based out here, but it would be nice to get one for the Hill AFB museum, as I don't recall one being there the last time I went.

Moonliner · 03-11-2008, 07:47 AM

It's no real secret. It's the FA-22 Raptor.

It'd make mincemeat out of an F-117.

Aurora a failure? Heh, that's just what they want you to think.

BarTopDancer · 03-11-2008, 08:33 AM

WANT!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moonliner

Moonliner · 03-11-2008, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarTopDancer

WANT!

Nah, not for me. They get terrible gas mileage and parking is a bitch. Of course on the other hand no dingle-cheese in an Escalade or Hummer is going to cut you off...

scaeagles · 03-11-2008, 07:53 AM

The f-22 isn't in full production yet, is it? It's still being tested? The F-22 was my first thought, of course, but I figured there was something they must be currently using that we don't know about.

Moonliner · 03-11-2008, 08:02 AM

As of Feb '08 there was a total of 122 Raptors built.

scaeagles · 03-11-2008, 08:06 AM

Well....good thing i put in the OP I wasn't an expert.

Kevy Baby · 03-11-2008, 09:03 AM

The problem with the Raptor is that it is so freakin' expensive ($100 million+ per bird depending on how you call out the $). The Air Force is in dire need a more economical close-air ground support unit without all of the fancy bells and whistles.

Don't get me wrong: the Raptor is a phenomenal plane.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moonliner

Nah, not for me. They get terrible gas mileage and parking is a bitch. Of course on the other hand no dingle-cheese in an Escalade or Hummer is going to cut you off...

And just TRY to get comprehensive insurance on with a reasonable deductible!

03-11-2008, 07:27 AM	#1
scaeagles I LIKE! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,819	Retirement of the F-117 I'm a bit of an aviation buff (though certainly no expert), and I found this to be quite interesting. Knowing that planes are not retired without something to take their place, I am certain the air force must have something well tested now that is taking it's place, which I figure means it's probably soon to be made known to the public. Of course, I could be wrong. When the SR-71 was retired however many years ago that was, I figured the same thing, but then we never found out what it was that replaced it. A few SR-71s were returned to service for a short period of time, meaning that perhaps what they had to replace it didn't turn out so well. As many people assumed at the time, I figured it was the Aurora project, but I've haven't seem one yet and rumor has it that the aurora project was a failure.
	Submit to Quotes

03-11-2008, 07:37 AM	#2
blueerica Nueve Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 6,497	I will try to find out. __________________ Tomorrow is the day for you and me
	Submit to Quotes

03-11-2008, 07:42 AM	#3
blueerica Nueve Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 6,497	OK, I will still wait for the 'word' from my man on the inside - but Wikipedia suggests that the F-22 and the F-35 will be the eventual replacements. The F-117 wasn't based out here, but it would be nice to get one for the Hill AFB museum, as I don't recall one being there the last time I went. __________________ Tomorrow is the day for you and me
	Submit to Quotes

03-11-2008, 07:47 AM	#4
Moonliner 8/30/14 - Disneyland -10k or Bust. Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 9,022	It's no real secret. It's the FA-22 Raptor. It'd make mincemeat out of an F-117. Aurora a failure? Heh, that's just what they want you to think. __________________ - Taking it one step at a time.
	Submit to Quotes

03-11-2008, 07:53 AM	#7
scaeagles I LIKE! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,819	The f-22 isn't in full production yet, is it? It's still being tested? The F-22 was my first thought, of course, but I figured there was something they must be currently using that we don't know about.
	Submit to Quotes

03-11-2008, 08:02 AM	#8
Moonliner 8/30/14 - Disneyland -10k or Bust. Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 9,022	As of Feb '08 there was a total of 122 Raptors built. __________________ - Taking it one step at a time.
	Submit to Quotes

03-11-2008, 08:06 AM	#9
scaeagles I LIKE! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,819	Well....good thing i put in the OP I wasn't an expert.
	Submit to Quotes