The SR-71 A thing of Beauty and Awe

[ltdiver 3]

Quote

However, rarely does the Government retire something without something else in its place.

Looks like the F-117 is being put on ice now.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/03/11/stealth.fighter.ap/index.html

ltdiver

Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon

[Beerlight 0]

that's a great read, thanks for posting!

I have a question for the masses though.... At the altitude the SR flew, would someone on the ground actually hear/feel a sonic "boom"? From my feeble aeronautical background, I thought it impossible from anything above FL300 or so....... + it depends on which direction the pointy end is ah.....pointing?

[lawrocket 3]

Yep. They've got a replacement.

F-117/F-22
Top Speed - .92 Mach/>2.0 Mach
Cruise - .92 Mach/1.7 Mach
Range - 930 nm/2,000 nm
Service ceiling - 69k ft/ 65k ft

They only designated the Nighthawk as an "F" to attract the hot fighter jockies. It's actually an attack plane.

I'd love to see comparative performances envelopes graphed out for these birds.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[ryoder 1,590]

Quote

Yep. They've got a replacement.

F-117/F-22
Top Speed - .92 Mach/>2.0 Mach
Cruise - .92 Mach/1.7 Mach
Range - 930 nm/2,000 nm
Service ceiling - 69k ft/ 65k ft

They only designated the Nighthawk as an "F" to attract the hot fighter jockies. It's actually an attack plane.

I'd love to see comparative performances envelopes graphed out for these birds.

Another important difference is the F-22 actually flies. The F-117 couldn't really fly, but it was so ugly that the earth repelled it, thereby simulating flight.

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[Gonejumpingl 0]

Saw one in Tucson AZ, PIMA AF base Boneyard, just freaking amazing!! Never thaught it was so big... But again, i'm 5'4"

Today is a better day!!!