Nighthawk Scrapping...

[an-225]

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/de ... pAscending

I will miss it, surely. It may have been better to scrap most of them, but upgrade the leftover Nighthawks to C standard. The F-22 doesn't even have FLIR (nor capability for LANTIRN etc), and can only carry two JDAMs.

Give me two GBU-12s and a third party laser target with the F-117!

[Slotback]

F-22 doesn't need FLIR, or LANTIRN... It is designed to drop GPS guided bombs, on fixed targets. Furthermore, the AN/APG-77(1) has Synthetic Aperture Radar, which can be used instead. 2 JDAMS? F-117 was 2 LGB using the same warhead as JDAM (except 2000lb version).... They made the right choice - save money by retiring the aircraft and using F-22 & F-35 armed with stand-off munitions like SDB & JSOW (And JASSM for legacy).

[an-225]

"Can only carry two JDAMs" refers to the fact that compatible ordnance is LIMITED.

The Nighthawk could pickle GBUs, Mk 82/4s JDAMs and the BLU-109. There was a loadout for every mission.

Also, JDAM target coordinates are PRESET. Without a LITENING or Sniper pod, the pilot cannot change the target in flight, and the F-22 is not capable of carrying either.

In a pinch, the pilot of the F-117 could change target by just panning the FLIR to the target, and locking it.

[Slotback]

"Can only carry two JDAMs" refers to the fact that compatible ordnance is LIMITED.

The Nighthawk could pickle GBUs, Mk 82/4s JDAMs and the BLU-109. There was a loadout for every mission.

Let's not suggest the F-117 can carry a far more diverse range of weapons than the F-22. F-22 can carry 500lb & 1000lb variants of the weapons you listed, except the LGBs which use the same warheads as the JDAMS... and it's not like existing dumb bombs or tail kits are rare, nor is it like they're going to be using LGBs against moving targets either. If you need the penetrating capabilities of the BLU-109 then, simple, use the GBU-39.

Also, JDAM target coordinates are PRESET. Without a LITENING or Sniper pod, the pilot cannot change the target in flight, and the F-22 is not capable of carrying either.

The LITENING or Sniper pod does not enter the coordinates into the JDAM. They are targeting pods, not weapon control systems. If the target changes? Simple. Beam the coordinates to the F-22 via JTIDS.

In a pinch, the pilot of the F-117 could change target by just panning the FLIR to the target, and locking it.

Block 30 F-22 which are now being delivered include the AN/APG-77(1), which has new software which can map the ground out to 20cm resolution from 120km out. Synthetic Aperture Radar - it's specifically designed for Strike misssions.

http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/page ... l?d=136354

http://www.es.northropgrumman.com/solut ... aesaradar/

http://integrator.hanscom.af.mil/2007/O ... 007-21.htm

[Anxyous]

The F-22 can carry more bombs easily, but stealth will be compromised.

Wait for the SDB's...

[Mobius]

JDAMs can be targeted in flight.  B-52s would load up with JDAMs and just fly CAS circuits over Afghanistan waiting for targets to pop up.  When they did, they wouldn't be around much longer.

Also, F-22 pilots are being trained with a heavy focus on air superiority instead of ground attack.  There are plenty of other strike specific aircraft in the Air Force's arsenal.  One B-2 can take the place of many F-117s when stealth is necessary, and the B-1 and F-15E can carry much larger and more diverse weapon loadouts when stealth isn't needed, although, the B-1 does have a reduced radar cross-section, so it does have a stealth element to it.

Also, the F-117 was based on heavily out-dated technology and with the F-22 and F-35 coming into service in the next decade, they will be able to take care of anything the F-117 would have been used for, while being able to defend themselves.

[C]

I will miss it, surely. It may have been better to scrap most of them, but upgrade the leftover Nighthawks to C standard. The F-22 doesn't even have FLIR (nor capability for LANTIRN etc), and can only carry two JDAMs.

Budgets. Hardware means support, which cost money and resources. Why send a chap in a vulnerable, costly aeroplane, when you can send a modern munition or a ship/air launched cruise missile at a fraction of the cost and risk?