Monday, November 17, 2025

The Flying Arrowhead At Rest


 

5 comments:

  1. Very curious why the F-117 is still flying, in small numbers, must be something unique.

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  2. They may still use them as aggressors; a cheap way to test your gear against quasi-stealth.

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    1. Makes sense. Looked up "Aggressor" fighter in ohotos, some fantastic shots flying up thru a canyon, those guys are just having too much fun.
      Must be a cheap per flight hour fighter. They look even cooler all these years later. That says something about form follows function, and radar doesn't care what a plane looks like.

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  3. Knew some of this, but looked it up just to make sure. • Adversary/"Red Air" Training — The F-117's low-observable (stealth) profile makes it ideal for simulating enemy stealth aircraft or low-radar-cross-section threats in exercises. It helps train U.S. pilots, radar operators, and air defense systems to detect, track, and engage stealthy targets without risking wear on expensive frontline jets like the F-22 or F-35.
    •Cruise Missile Surrogate — It can mimic the flight characteristics of subsonic stealthy cruise missiles, allowing air defense units to practice interception and integrated missile defense drills.
    •Testing and Development — Serves as a platform for research into stealth technologies, radar systems, infrared search-and-track improvements, new coatings, sensors, and countermeasures. It's a relatively low-cost "flying laboratory" for evaluating advancements that inform next-generation programs (e.g., NGAD or B-21-related work) without exposing classified newer aircraft.
    Cost-Effectiveness — Operating hours on the F-117 are much cheaper than on active fifth-generation fighters, preserving the limited flight hours of those more critical assets.

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