So Long F-117

[Mule]

Cool stuff Joe.

[911/914gary]

Originally Posted by Joeaksa

Much of the airplane was built from A-7 parts and in fact until it was brought out in the open they always flight planned as an A-7. Performance was about the same and did a good job covering. There were some F-16 giblets in it as well as other parts from other airplanes. The magic was on the outside and design, not the internal bits and they did all they could to save money and use proven parts to get the plane in the air sooner.

Gary, did you ever run into Col. Gary Sanders at the plant? He was one of the early pilots on the -117 and as an engineer spent a lot of time there in the early days. After the bird became operational he spent most of his time at Nellis or up in Tonopah but you may have met him. Nice guy, we flew together on and off for almost 30 years and a very good friend of mine. He passed 4 months ago in Tucson, a loss to us all.

That's true. Many components were taken from other aircraft including F-16 flight control, F-15 brakes, and F-104 hydraulics. The outer contour and the RAM material was the key technology. On the MLG door design I worked on the outer mole line (outside contour) and edges needed to be within around ±0.020”. This is incredibly tight for an aircraft.

I did not have the pleasure of meeting Col. Gary Sanders. I did not have the need to go to Tonopah. Those that went to “The Ranch” (Tonopah) flew out in an old white with red stripe 737-200 with no windows (I think it was called the Red Stripe Express) from Burbank. At the ranch you were given blinders and escorted through the compound. That didn’t seem like fun to me.

[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by 911/914gary

Those that went to “The Ranch” (Tonopah) flew out in an old white with red stripe 737-200 with no windows (I think it was called the Red Stripe Express) from Burbank. At the ranch you were given blinders and escorted through the compound. That didn’t seem like fun to me.

Like these:



Never seen them, do not know a thing about them...

You did not miss anything no going to the Ranch. The interiors on the Janet airplanes are not real exciting and the destination has no frills. That said the work they do once they land is that of our nations security and I thank God that we have people like that on our side.

[m21sniper]

We have a 117 jock (now ex jock) and Weapons guy on our board. Both say it's time had come and gone.

The F-22 with modern munitions is vastly superior in every way.

[beepbeep]

Interesting article on how F-117 was downed in Serbia:

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htada/articles/20051121.aspx

[svandamme]

Originally Posted by beepbeep

Interesting article on how F-117 was downed in Serbia:

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htada/articles/20051121.aspx

yeah, Z-man doesn't take it lightly if he spots nekkid girl pictures the sides of aircraft.