F-117A, U-2 and Half of the B-52 Fleet Many Go Away
- Thread starter FLYBOYJ
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syscom3
Pacific Historian
I think the F117 is being eliminated because the USAF has a replacment up its sleeve (stored at area 51 of course).
It will be a shame to see the B52 be reduced.
It will be a shame to see the B52 be reduced.
- Thread starter
- #3
FLYBOYJ
"THE GREAT GAZOO"
syscom3 said:
The 117 replacement? The F-35....
syscom3
Pacific Historian
No, something more exotic. Maybe even powered by technology that was reverse engineered from the aliens they have stored there.
- Thread starter
- #5
FLYBOYJ
"THE GREAT GAZOO"
There's nothing at "Area 51" tha't replacing the F-117A. Lockheed is working on some UAVs but believe me, everything is from planet earth.syscom3 said:
The USAF F-35 will replace the -117.
syscom3
Pacific Historian
How would you know whats going on there? Lots of "black" stuff going on.
marconi
Airman 1st Class
FLYBOYJ, as I understand F-35 is basically a fighter with STOL capability while F-117 is Fighter/Bomber .How could it be F-117s replacement?
Some article from internet.
- Thread starter
- #8
FLYBOYJ
"THE GREAT GAZOO"
marconi said:
Simple - the F-35 gets its V/STOL capability from the engine driven "Lift Fan" that Lockheed developed. The USAF versions will not have the lift fan installed..
"F-35 Variants
US Air Force
The Air Force expects that to purchase 1763 F-35s to complement the F-22 Raptor and replace the F-16 as an air-toground strike aircraft. The Air Force variant includes an internal gun, infrared sensors, and laser designator. This is the technologically simplest version of the JSF, in that it does not require hover or aircraft carrier capability. Therefore it does not require the vertical thrust or the handling qualities for catapult launches, augmented control authority at landing approach speeds and strengthened structure to handle arrested landings. At the same time, the Air Force F-35 will have to improve upon the high standards created by the F-16. Since replacement of the F-16 by the F-35 will entail a significant payload reduction, the F-35 faces a very demanding one shot one kill requirement.
US Navy
The requirement for carrier operations creates the largest differences between the Air Force and Navy version. The naval version has larger wing and tail control surfaces to enable low-speed approaches to aircraft carriers. Leadingedge flaps and foldable wing tip sections account for this increased wing area. The larger wing area also provides the Navy version with an increased payload capability. To support the stresses of carrier landings and catapult launches, the internal structure of this version is strengthened. In addition, the landing gear has longer stroke and higher load capacity, and of course an arresting hook is added. Compared to the F-18C, the F-35 has twice the range on internal fuel.. The design is also optimized for survivability, which is a key Navy requirement. Like the USAF version, the Navy version will incorporate an internal gun and sensors. This new fighter will be used by the Navy as a first-day-of-war attack fighter in conjunction with the F/A-18 Hornet. The Navy plans to purchase 480 JSF.
US Marine Corps
The distinguishing feature of the USMC version of the JSF is its short takeoff/vertical landing capability (STOVL). There will not be an internally mounted machine gun, but an external gun can be fitted. This version requires controllability on all axes while hovering. Another critical design feature is its impact on the ground surface beneath it during hover. The USMC expects their version of the JSF will replace the F/A-18 Hornet and the AV-8 Harrier. The Marine Corps expects to purchase 480 STOVL versions of the F-35."
- Thread starter
- #9
FLYBOYJ
"THE GREAT GAZOO"
syscom3 said:
I worked for them for 10 1/2 years - almost 1.5 years in and out of the Skunk Works - I still have connections... 8)
marconi
Airman 1st Class
FLYBOYJ, thanks for information but I wanted to know whether F-35 can replace F-117. Does F-35 have same stealth characteristics as F-117?Can it use weapons similar to those that F-117 can use?In operation Desert Storm F-117 was used to destroy most difficult targets in areas with tight air defence system.And I thought that F-35 is just a cheaper alternative for F-22.
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- #11
FLYBOYJ
"THE GREAT GAZOO"
And the F-16!marconi said:
Even Better!marconi said:
What you're going to see is a stealth aircraft with the bombing capability of the F-117A, and the air-to-air combat ability of the F-16. The F-35 might even be as good as the F-22 from what I've been told.marconi said:
Far from it! Lockheed-Martin pulled all stops to secure this contract. Although its smaller than the F-22, the F-35 is a whole new animal. Better assembly methods, materials, avionics, etc. My best friend designed the electrical system on this aircraft and he has told me "you've just seen the surface" when the X-35 flew, by the way I was there for the X-35 first flight and first hover flight.marconi said:
Unless Lockheed-Martin screws up during manufacturing or some kind of major flaw emerges, the F-35 will the benchmark of combat aircraft. There is always much discussion comparing the F-22 to the Eurofighter, in my opinion the F-35 is going to better than both of them!!!
syscom3
Pacific Historian
I see the UAV's becoming more and more sophisticted. The days of manned aircraft doing the mundane or really dangerous stuff will eventually be over.
Radar and AA defense supression might be performed by hordes of "throw away" drones that would destroy their target by simplying diving on them, kamikazi style.
If you want a B52 replacement for just carrying a bunch of PGM's, all of which are semi autonomous, all you need a simple inexpensive transport to orbit the battlefield and drop them as needed. That can even be done automatically.
Radar and AA defense supression might be performed by hordes of "throw away" drones that would destroy their target by simplying diving on them, kamikazi style.
If you want a B52 replacement for just carrying a bunch of PGM's, all of which are semi autonomous, all you need a simple inexpensive transport to orbit the battlefield and drop them as needed. That can even be done automatically.
marconi
Airman 1st Class
Will F-35 carry its weapons in internal section like F-117 and F-22 do?
ALso have you heard anything about its competitor X-32 in JSF programm?Was it a good plane and why did it lost to F-35?
ALso have you heard anything about its competitor X-32 in JSF programm?Was it a good plane and why did it lost to F-35?
- Thread starter
- #14
FLYBOYJ
"THE GREAT GAZOO"
I agree to a point - I think the manned fighter will be around for a little longer, I've seen concepts where a fighter may have several armed UAVs at his disposal during combatsyscom3 said:
syscom3 said:
That's been thought of in the late 80s using a 747
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- #15
FLYBOYJ
"THE GREAT GAZOO"
marconi said:
The F-35 will carry weapons internally..
As far as the X-32
It was a Pig!!! Although it flew first, it was crude and no where as advanced as the X-35, the Lockheed guys I knew who worked on the X-35 used to call it "The Happy Guppy." Hover testes were done at Patuxet River NAS because the X-32 could barely get off the ground at the Boeing plant in Palmdale Ca. (Palmdale is about 2500 feet about sea level). Even during the hover tests the X-32 had its landing gear doors removed to improve performance. It was a pig and in my opinion one of the ugliest aircraft ever built. I would scrap it, it isn't worth the floor space in a museum!
Agreed the X-32 is as good looking as George Bush's butt (wait it is even worse than that) 
. The F-35 sounds like it is going to be an awesome aircraft plus it looks cool and we British are getting it .
. The F-35 sounds like it is going to be an awesome aircraft plus it looks cool and we British are getting it .
102first_hussars
Tech Sergeant
I dont think you should make fun of Juniors ass when Britain unleashed Thatcher upon the world, woaa I just got goosebumps
I agree with FBJ on the F-35. It is a better aircraft, can do what the F-117 can and more.
As for the B-52 I hate to see it go, but if you look at the technology we have today, there is no longer really a need for the BUFF!
As for the B-52 I hate to see it go, but if you look at the technology we have today, there is no longer really a need for the BUFF!
I was surprised to see the -117 getting some cuts, compared to other aircraft it's term has been very short. Same with the B-1. Those two made such a fuss with all their technology and shnazz and are already outdated. What will the B-1 be replaced with? There's nothing that can carry that much that fast. Make way for more versatile craft though, can't argue with that.
Also, I wonder what would happen if we were to take on a country that actually has an air force after the -22s and -35s are in service. Slaughter is all I can think of...
Also, I wonder what would happen if we were to take on a country that actually has an air force after the -22s and -35s are in service. Slaughter is all I can think of...
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