F-117 on way to boneyard

Stewart Pearson · Post by **Stewart Pearson** » 26 Jan 2007, 18:19

According to an article in an El Paso newspaper, Holloman AFB will lose it's fleet of F-117's by the end of 2008. 10 will be retired this year, with the remainder slated for retiral next year.

The aircraft will be replaced with F-22 Raptors, which will begin arriving at the New Mexico base next year.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_5089211

Weescotty: Looks like that's your next model!!

Cheers

Stew

aerogator · Post by **aerogator** » 26 Jan 2007, 20:31

I just read about this in the latest issue of 'Air and Space'. I was real surprised. Thought we had a few more years of the 'Wobblin' Goblin'.

But... if that gets us a WSAI F-22, then all the better

!

MIKE JG · Post by **MIKE JG** » 26 Jan 2007, 21:15

Makes you wonder what else is out there that makes the F-117 obsolete besides the F-22s and F-35s.

BadPvtDan · Post by **BadPvtDan** » 26 Jan 2007, 21:18

I think that may just be it. I was watching a show that said the F-22 was stealthier than the F-117. The days of multiple aircraft for multiple missions is over

StingingCanine · Post by **StingingCanine** » 26 Jan 2007, 21:48

Also it is a one mission aircraft, has a very limited ordinance load, and has outdated avionics.

But it still looks pretty cool!

MIKE JG · Post by **MIKE JG** » 27 Jan 2007, 02:22

Ya I guess it's technically late 70's early 80's technology, over twenty years old in other words. "Outdated" already.

flyboy · Post by **flyboy** » 27 Jan 2007, 11:43

I read where we are working on a "unmanned stealth drone (UCAV)" to do the same mission...single point attack over a heavily defended area. That way if a aircraft is shot down, you don't have to worry about the pilot. Pilot could be setting in Las Vegas hitting a target someplace halfway around the world. Ungraded Global Hawk or Predator (would have to be kinda large to carry a good strike load)???

btaylo24 · Post by **btaylo24** » 27 Jan 2007, 11:54

Has the 7th FS already been disbanded?

Cheers
Barry

mikewmac · Post by **mikewmac** » 27 Jan 2007, 12:58

btaylo24 wrote:Has the 7th FS already been disbanded?

Cheers
Barry

Barry,

Yes, the F-117A is officially in "Sundown" status with Detachment 1 of the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group deactivated on September 15, 2006 and the 7th Fighter Squadron "Screaming Demons" deactivated on December 31, 2006.

http://www.acc.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123035108

Mike

ronniegj · Post by **ronniegj** » 27 Jan 2007, 16:14

Re: Flyboys post, I had started following links beginning with the one up top and found stories stating that in fact two separate contracts had been let for development of remotely piloted a/c purpose build to replace the 117 type mission: Boeing for USAF vehicle and Lockheed for USN. At some point the projects became merged into one. Both a/c to be large enough to carry whatever weapons mission requires. Mature project at this time, however, USAF dropped out just before the turn of the year. Talk is AF fears loosing flying positions. However, sub unit of the AF program seem to be continuing with development as long as their bank account holds out (kinda Dale Brown type senario) and Navy very determined to continue. Veeery Interesting!

Sorry I haven't taken the time to look up the ref links, but sure you can find them if you are interested.

Ron