This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
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F-117's

Sat Nov 11, 2017 10:03 pm

Are they all still in storage? Have any been assigned to museums?

Re: F-117's

Sat Nov 11, 2017 10:07 pm

Pat Carry wrote:Are they all still in storage? Have any been assigned to museums?


They are officially retired, but in a version of storage where the USAF is supposed to be able to pull them from storage and fly them relatively quickly. They pull a couple from storage periodically and fly them to validate the concept.

Re: F-117's

Sun Nov 12, 2017 2:12 am

There has been one in the NMUSAF since the early 90s.
Non-airworthy as a many parts were removed before display.

I hadn't heard the part about them being in flyable storage. Any idea where they're parked (inside I'll guess).
I would have thought that pilot currency, technician training, spare parts inventory/depot and technical supporters issues would have prevented that.
From my time at AFMC HQ, I came to appreciate the huge infrastructure requirements for an aircraft type.

Re: F-117's

Sun Nov 12, 2017 8:02 am

The ones in flyable storage are kept at the Tonopah Test Range airport in Nevada and have been seen flying regularly from there. I suspect they're also using them as part of the TTR's programs which include weapon testing and new radar systems.

Re: F-117's

Sun Nov 12, 2017 6:06 pm

There are a few YouTube videos of them flying. It always makes me smile to see a new one!

Re: F-117's

Sun Nov 12, 2017 6:34 pm

Yep a couple are still flying from Area 51 I think.They used them in Red flag last year.
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