lenochs%drcoa1.decnet@drcvax.af.mil (DRCOA1::LENOCHS) (03/20/91)
From: "DRCOA1::LENOCHS" <lenochs%drcoa1.decnet@drcvax.af.mil>
Peter Stockschlaeder wondered how many F-117s were built.
57 were produced by Lockheed. There are rumors that the AF is asking
about the cost of fielding another 24.
[BTW, the late versions of the F-117 were built with many changes
derived from the early birds. Many of the TCTO mods made on the first
aircraft were applied to F-117s still on the line.]
Darrell Long asked if any F-117s were lost in the Gulf. Happily, none
were lost and they should be coming home in the very near future (I
will not specify the date).
We here at DRC are very pleased and proud of the contribution of Team
Stealth, and are delighted that all are 'present and accounted for'.
Steve Dragoo discussed navalizing the A-10. Good idea, but I don't
know how practical it would be to modify existing aircraft. The wings
would have to be completely redesigned to fold. The landing gear and
frame supporting it would require extensive rework. The tail hook and
frame would need some heavy reinforcements. The electronics suite
would undoubtedly be replaced completely. All in all, a pretty fair
sized rebuild.
As far as starting production again, rebuilding the line would be as
expensive as building a line for a new design; not much gain.
I don't know. It looks good on paper, but........
Loyd M. Enochs (ex-USAF) - Dynamics Research Corporation - Andover, MA
Computer Systems Analyst - Smart Data System (F-117 Maintenance and
Operations computer system)