Farewell F 117 Nighthawk

sjwmoore · October 30th, 2006, 02:54 PM

F-117: A long, storied history that is about to end
Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates, Air Force Print News
Oct 30, 2006 - 5:57:40 AM

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE: After 25 years of storied service, the F-117 Nighthawk, the Air Force's first stealth fighter, is about to retire. The technology that once made it a unique weapon system has now caught up to it and newer fighter aircraft are now joining the fleet. Still, the Nighthawk was the first of its kind, a fact anyone who has spent time around the aircraft is quick to point out.

Many of these people were gathered here Oct. 29 to commemorate 25 years of Nighthawk history at the Silver Stealth ceremony. Members of the F-117 community, past and present, were on hand to pay homage to the aircraft's illustrious history, a history that contains as many secrets as it does legends.

Since it was officially named a part of the Air Force in 1981, the Nighthawk began making an impression on military officials. Not just because it was "funny" looking, but because the aircraft brought many new capabilities to the battlefield.

The Nighthawk, after all, was the stuff of science fiction. It could fly across enemy skies and through the world's most advanced radar systems without being detected. This capability allowed the aircraft to perform reconnaissance missions and bomb critical targets, all without the enemy knowing who or what had hit them.

"This is a strategic weapon that really reshaped how the Air Force looked at strategic warfare," said Lt. Col. Chris Knehans, commander of the 7th Fighter Squadron here. "It doesn't matter what defenses you put up, how deep you try to hide or how much you surround yourself with collateral damage, this airplane will come and get you."

This fact has made the Nighthawk a vital part of the Air Force's various campaigns since the aircraft's introduction. It has seen service in Panama, Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia as part of such operations as Desert Storm, Allied Force, Just Cause and Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

For those who either fly or provide support to the Nighthawk, the aircraft has been a faithful one. Knowing it is now in its last days is bittersweet for many of them.

"From a pragmatic point of view, we all understand why it's leaving," Colonel Knehans said. "I mean it's a 30-year-old concept now. But when you look at its history, its design and its combat record ... yeah, the Air Force is going to lose basically a very unique weapon system."

For Master Sgt. Byron Osborn, who has worked on the F-117 for almost 19 years, the emotions are clearer.

"For old timers like me, it's a sad day," he said. "A lot of the younger guys like the new, flashier aircraft, but I'll stick with this old dog any day."

The Air Force is saying goodbye to the F-117, but not to the effect it has had on modern warfare. Its successor, the F-22 Raptor, will continue the fight the Nighthawk started, which, according to retired Gen. Lloyd "Fig" Newton, one of the first F-117 pilots, is a hard job to fill.

"Whenever its nation called, the F-117 answered, providing capabilities that had never been known before," he said. "If we needed the door kicked in, the stealth was the one to do it. Never before had such an aircraft existed."

Modern technology may have caught up with the F-117, and new aircraft may be set to take its place on the tarmac, but none will ever be able to replace it.

I remember when the first images were released in the 80s- looked wierd as anything, but actually does look dated now. Funny, the B52 will soldier on till 2040, and it was 30 years old at the advent of this aircraft!

Am pleased to say I was there when the picture with the Reds was taken, RIAT 2003 (?)

Bluewarning · October 31st, 2006, 01:22 AM

Its incredible that we are retiring planes that are more advanced than anything the world has.

jmancuso · October 31st, 2006, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluewarning

Its incredible that we are retiring planes that are more advanced than anything the world has.

that's what i'm saying. this sounds weird becuase they aren't that old.

andysimo123 · October 31st, 2006, 12:33 PM

The reason its going is because they have something better to replace it , thats the F-22 Raptor. Its meant to be just as stealthy and its miles faster. There isn't anything to replace the B52 so they might as well keep it.

Ted Ward · November 5th, 2006, 03:12 PM

Those are some great looking photos you posted sjwmoore.

I remember the first time i saw it (on tv) was the Iraq war - it certainly had the 'wow' factor about it. I guess its just the air-show circuit for it now?

TallBox · November 5th, 2006, 04:59 PM

The F117's capabilities have been absorbed into the F35 now... despite small payload, it was still a fantastic airplane. Would've loved to see it in RAF service

JackSwan · November 5th, 2006, 08:00 PM

^

yeah, except that first picture probably represents what the united kingdom spends on defence procurement in a decade. still, maybe the US will have a car boot sale and we can pickup some at bargain prices.

i'll be happy with 150 f35s and some nice typhoons. yummy.

CharlieP · November 5th, 2006, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluewarning

Its incredible that we are retiring planes that are more advanced than anything the world has.

Except that they're not, and that's why they're being retired...

ThePhantomReturns · November 7th, 2006, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlieP

Except that they're not, and that's why they're being retired...

yes it is. This plane would be coveted by most of the worlds airforces. Its only obsolete to the U.S. and perhaps a few of our allies. Cmon, forumers on here are wanting it in British hangers---the U.K. being among the top powers of the globe. I dont even know if you could call it obsolete--just expensive to maintain. It will go down with the other legendary aircraft if U.S. aviation history--with the SR-71 Blackbird, the A-10, F-14 Tomcat, etc. Excited to see whats going down at Area 51 and the next gen of futuristic aircraft.

***Rob*** · November 7th, 2006, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlieP

Except that they're not, and that's why they're being retired...

What you mean is, they're not the most advanced combat aircraft now as the F22 and F35 are better, but the point is they are retiring planes that are more advanced than anything outside the U.S. and her allies.

It is normal that the first generation of a newly developed aircraft type doesn't last so long, looking back at some of the earlier jet aircraft in the 50s and 60s, some lasted much less than 10 years before alll being retired. The F22 will be around a lot longer.

Much sadder is the demise of the F14 this year after about 35 years service, I'm sure they would have gone on much longer if their airframe lives hadn't generally expired, as the Navy said they were still the best at their job and the F18 doesn't quite fill the role as well.

How long will the F16 be in existance for? 60 years+? and the C130s? 70 years? and B52s?

andysimo123 · November 8th, 2006, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

What you mean is, they're not the most advanced combat aircraft now as the F22 and F35 are better, but the point is they are retiring planes that are more advanced than anything outside the U.S. and her allies.

It is normal that the first generation of a newly developed aircraft type doesn't last so long, looking back at some of the earlier jet aircraft in the 50s and 60s, some lasted much less than 10 years before alll being retired. The F22 will be around a lot longer.

Much sadder is the demise of the F14 this year after about 35 years service, I'm sure they would have gone on much longer if their airframe lives hadn't generally expired, as the Navy said they were still the best at their job and the F18 doesn't quite fill the role as well.

How long will the F16 be in existance for? 60 years+? and the C130s? 70 years? and B52s?

That's not true. They aren't the most advanced planes after the F-22 and F-35. The F-117 was built and designed in the 1970s. The difference in computers and technologies now make the F-117 computers look miles out of date. The Eurofighter and Dassault Rafale may not be full stealth but they are more advanced than the F-117.

Also has anyone seen the Dassault Neuron? It could be the next gen of military aircraft that's currently under-development with full funding and backing. Its got full stealth and has unmanned autonomous air-to-ground attack capabilities. It should be the next stage after the F-117 and B-2 that's not been developed by the USA.

sjwmoore · November 8th, 2006, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaun

The F117's capabilities have been absorbed into the F35 now... despite small payload, it was still a fantastic airplane. Would've loved to see it in RAF service

It was offered to the RAF...and declined. Perhaps a sensible descision, given our budgets!

TLAM and submarines give us our own "stealth" capability without risking a pilot

October 30th, 2006, 02:54 PM	#1
sjwmoore sjwmoore Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Warrington Posts: 1,381 Likes (Received): 0	Farewell F 117 Nighthawk F-117: A long, storied history that is about to end Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates, Air Force Print News Oct 30, 2006 - 5:57:40 AM HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE: After 25 years of storied service, the F-117 Nighthawk, the Air Force's first stealth fighter, is about to retire. The technology that once made it a unique weapon system has now caught up to it and newer fighter aircraft are now joining the fleet. Still, the Nighthawk was the first of its kind, a fact anyone who has spent time around the aircraft is quick to point out. Many of these people were gathered here Oct. 29 to commemorate 25 years of Nighthawk history at the Silver Stealth ceremony. Members of the F-117 community, past and present, were on hand to pay homage to the aircraft's illustrious history, a history that contains as many secrets as it does legends. Since it was officially named a part of the Air Force in 1981, the Nighthawk began making an impression on military officials. Not just because it was "funny" looking, but because the aircraft brought many new capabilities to the battlefield. The Nighthawk, after all, was the stuff of science fiction. It could fly across enemy skies and through the world's most advanced radar systems without being detected. This capability allowed the aircraft to perform reconnaissance missions and bomb critical targets, all without the enemy knowing who or what had hit them. "This is a strategic weapon that really reshaped how the Air Force looked at strategic warfare," said Lt. Col. Chris Knehans, commander of the 7th Fighter Squadron here. "It doesn't matter what defenses you put up, how deep you try to hide or how much you surround yourself with collateral damage, this airplane will come and get you." This fact has made the Nighthawk a vital part of the Air Force's various campaigns since the aircraft's introduction. It has seen service in Panama, Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia as part of such operations as Desert Storm, Allied Force, Just Cause and Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. For those who either fly or provide support to the Nighthawk, the aircraft has been a faithful one. Knowing it is now in its last days is bittersweet for many of them. "From a pragmatic point of view, we all understand why it's leaving," Colonel Knehans said. "I mean it's a 30-year-old concept now. But when you look at its history, its design and its combat record ... yeah, the Air Force is going to lose basically a very unique weapon system." For Master Sgt. Byron Osborn, who has worked on the F-117 for almost 19 years, the emotions are clearer. "For old timers like me, it's a sad day," he said. "A lot of the younger guys like the new, flashier aircraft, but I'll stick with this old dog any day." The Air Force is saying goodbye to the F-117, but not to the effect it has had on modern warfare. Its successor, the F-22 Raptor, will continue the fight the Nighthawk started, which, according to retired Gen. Lloyd "Fig" Newton, one of the first F-117 pilots, is a hard job to fill. "Whenever its nation called, the F-117 answered, providing capabilities that had never been known before," he said. "If we needed the door kicked in, the stealth was the one to do it. Never before had such an aircraft existed." Modern technology may have caught up with the F-117, and new aircraft may be set to take its place on the tarmac, but none will ever be able to replace it. I remember when the first images were released in the 80s- looked wierd as anything, but actually does look dated now. Funny, the B52 will soldier on till 2040, and it was 30 years old at the advent of this aircraft! Am pleased to say I was there when the picture with the Reds was taken, RIAT 2003 (?)

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October 31st, 2006, 01:22 AM	#2
Bluewarning BANNED Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 404 Likes (Received): 0	Its incredible that we are retiring planes that are more advanced than anything the world has.

October 31st, 2006, 12:33 PM	#4
andysimo123 wind-up merchant Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 15,877 Likes (Received): 8	The reason its going is because they have something better to replace it , thats the F-22 Raptor. Its meant to be just as stealthy and its miles faster. There isn't anything to replace the B52 so they might as well keep it.

November 5th, 2006, 03:12 PM	#5
Ted Ward Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 253 Likes (Received): 0	Those are some great looking photos you posted sjwmoore. I remember the first time i saw it (on tv) was the Iraq war - it certainly had the 'wow' factor about it. I guess its just the air-show circuit for it now?

November 5th, 2006, 04:59 PM	#6
TallBox Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 2,612 Likes (Received): 20	The F117's capabilities have been absorbed into the F35 now... despite small payload, it was still a fantastic airplane. Would've loved to see it in RAF service

November 5th, 2006, 08:00 PM	#7
JackSwan click click Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Suffolk, England Posts: 7,911 Likes (Received): 100	^ yeah, except that first picture probably represents what the united kingdom spends on defence procurement in a decade. still, maybe the US will have a car boot sale and we can pickup some at bargain prices. i'll be happy with 150 f35s and some nice typhoons. yummy.