F-117 Nighthawk

[Raptor]

there are no such things as stupid questions...just stupid answers:>

True.

[Webmaster]

The Air Force is also looking to retire the F-117 early, mostly to receive more funding for the F-22 and F-35.  I think they should keep it in service because it can still evade radar, but with the technology they have now compared to 20 years ago, I think the Air Force can re-equip the F-117 with more powerful engines capable of supercruise.  It doesn't necessarily have to go Mach 2, although that would be an added benefit, but as long as it can achieve Mach 1.6 in supercruise, it should be sufficient to evade enemy aircraft.  What the heck, why not add an internal cannon for self defense?

I am not sure that would be possible due to aerodynamics of the airframe. Also to fit those with different engine will probably take a high investment, and then you still have only two bombs. Internal cannon, will need to make space for it, without having an impact on its radar signature. All F-117 differ a bit from one another, I think phasing them out is better than upgrading them. Especially with the F-35 coming up. Until then, they'll be able to deliver JDAMs. For once, I agree with the decisions made here, although retirement might come to soon, which leaves a gap. I guess the JSF is creating a gap everywhere. (PS: Australia is going to lease 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets as a stop-gap, allowing the service to retire its F-111s)

[Cobra2]

I think we should wait until the F-35 comes out and then retire the F-117.
2 bombs just isnt enough.
I'm not a fan of the F-117 though....

[Raptor]

Here's something

The F-117 is so efficient that it flew only 2% of the combat sorties logged over the gulf war and yet acheived some 40% of the total damage done.

[Gripen]

oh wow 40%

what had the other 60?

[Raptor]

The big guys, like Mr. B-1B lancer and Mr. B-52H, and not forgetting Dear old Mrs. AH-64D Apache Longbow. And Miss A-10 TBolt II. And Dr. F-111...and everyone else.

[Gripen]

I was being sarcastic..

[Valiant1]

You're right Webmaster, it was just a thought.  Though I still believe the F-117 can still perform mission under the cover of night.  Radar still can't pick up its signature, which says something about its 20-year-old technology. 

I agree with Cobra to just wait for the arrival of the JSF before retiring the F-117.  If it's true what you're saying about Australia acquiring F-18F Super Hornets before the arrival of the JSF, it better be a worthwhile wait for all these countries buying it. 

The F-35 has a LOT to prove when it arrives.

[Cobra2]

Yeah  I agree.

[Gripen]

Australia is getting new Hornets.. and the F-111 and Hornets are being grounded when we get the F-35s.. though there are rumours the F-111's will be grounded from the end of this year

[Cobra2]

So is there an official date when the F-35 is coming out this year?

[Gripen]

No, its scheduled introduction into service is 2011