B-52, F-117 added to the chopping block

[YYZPICS]

Well the Woblin Gobblin has been around for 25 years now

[Chris@YYZ]

I know, seems still way to early to start removing the F-117. I can see the U-2, and even downsizing the Buffs, but not the Woblin Gobblin

Woblin' Gobblin' sounds cool

[uy707]

U2s
For : excellent manned reco aircraft
Against : new stage UAV can do most of the job. Another bia : it can be vulnerable.
Verdict : should keep them anyway. Robots won't never replace mankind especially on delicate missions
B52s
For : like the U2s, also an old bird which has made her proofs and still does by faring better than the much newer B1 Lancer.
Against : terrible fuel burner, terrible incured operational costs starting with maintenance
Verdict : Re-engine the survivors
F.117
For : nothing
Against : Everything
Verdict : It's ugly, it's slow, it can be detected and when so, it can be downed. Should be the first to go to allow some time in pondering to how to find a new job for the Buffs and U2s.
Alain

[DAL767-400ER]

So, they want to get rid of the plane that has been their most usefull weapon in every war the US has been in in over 2 decades? Brilliant, just brilliant.

[Top_Gun]

I know, seems still way to early to start removing the F-117. I can see the U-2, and even downsizing the Buffs, but not the Woblin Gobblin

[Chris@YYZ]

Why get rid of the F117?

[YYZPICS]

"The Defense Department plans to accelerate retirement of key Air Force aircraft, including nearly half the B-52 bomber force and the full U-2 spy plane and F-117 stealth fighter fleets, in a bid to save $2.6 billion and boost spending for the services' prized F-22A fighter aircraft program"

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Whats your thoughts?