March 11, 2008
Final Flight

Jeff gets a no-prize nobody can see for bringing us more details on the upcoming retirement of the F-117. Looks like after April that'll be it, no more flying darts. It would seem they're going into storage, at least at first, so it's not "really really really" the end, but most likely very close to it. Unlike the SR-71, there are several platforms either operational or nearly so with capabilities which either replace or surpass the 117's, so a sudden return from retirement would seem unlikely.

Don't expect to see them flying in vintage air shows either. The DoD has a very long-standing policy of rendering surplus military aircraft unflyable before allowing civilians to purchase them. They'll most likely get turned into razor blades instead.

And if that isn't a modern version of beating swords into plowshares, I don't know what is.

Posted by scott at March 11, 2008 03:10 PM

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Given the maintenance requirements for the F-117, as well as the computer hardware used to keep it flying, I can't imagine that operating an F-117 as a "warbird" would even be possible.

Posted by: DensityDuck on March 12, 2008 02:08 PM

"And if that isn't a modern version of beating swords into plowshares, I don't know what is."

Not meaning to nitpick, but turning them into JATO tractors would be more appropriate (and entertaining, for sick bastards like me).

Posted by: Tatterdemalian on March 13, 2008 11:03 AM
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