F-117 with F-16 chase plane 11/14/2017

www.lazygranch.com...

Yet another F-117 sighting. This time with a F-16 chase plane. For a retired airframe, it sure flies a lot.

Now I guess the thing to speculate on is why a chase plane. In previous flights of the F-117, presumably just to keep the planes flyable, they flew alone. Perhaps photography from the F-16 of the F-117.

I'm sure someone will comment that the F-117 images have clouds as the background, while the Nellis weapons school photos have clear background. The F-117 shots were facing south. The weapons school photos were facing north. If you attended the Nellis Air Expo Sunday, the skies were overcast. From a position about 100 miles north of Las Vegas, there was a clear break in the two types of weather. It was like night and day.

a reply to: gariac

Looks 'more like' an escort. F 117 is less visible to radar so they brought along something they can track.

a reply to: gariac

pretty damn sure that's not an F-16 at all. Looks like an F-15... your info is not factual.

originally posted by: whirk
a reply to: gariac

pretty damn sure that's not an F-16 at all. Looks like an F-15... your info is not factual.

Having served in the Air Force, I can tell you that it is not an F-15....or a Hornet for that matter.

Its an F-16...single vertical stabilizer and the huge intake is a dead giveaway.

Sorry, you are not correct this time.

originally posted by: EternalShadow

originally posted by: whirk
a reply to: gariac

pretty damn sure that's not an F-16 at all. Looks like an F-15... your info is not factual.

Having served in the Air Force, I can tell you that it is not an F-15....or a Hornet for that matter.

Its an F-16...single vertical stabilizer and the huge intake is a dead giveaway.

Sorry, you are not correct this time.

The air intake is always a give away. Note Groom has two seat F-16s. Some person on F-16 dot net went through all the tail numbers and figured out which ones haven't been seen in a while. Sure enough I photographed one of them when camped out at the Tikaboo parking area.

www.lazygranch.com...

The photo I used just barely shows the canopy. I can upload a 100% crop of the F-16 and perhaps it can be determined if it is a two seater.

The F-16 appears to have external tanks to extend range, and something on the end wing rails. Could be he is escorting the F-117 a long distance. Perhaps out of the US.

a reply to: whirk

It is an F-16 most certainly.

a reply to: Nickn3

They almost always carry externals unless it's a post maintenance check flight. They usually have a captive carry AIM-9 and ACMI pod mounted as well.

First pic is an F-16, 2nd & 3rd F-15

a reply to: gariac

We were last out there late November (Thanksgiving time) and saw some very cool things, including Nighthawks flying right after sunset east of Groom lake (they were flying with a single red light on their underbellys). Didn't see any chase planes however.
I was only able to ID them because I brought my night vision with me.
Sorry I've been gone so long, hope everyone is doing well.

a reply to: HomeyKXTA

Apparently, the government has been offering up the F-117A airframes for sale as surplus since at least last summer. In August 2017 the Government Services Administration listed F-117A (AF serial no. 84-0827) with this description:



AIRCRAFT, FIXED WING 84-0827

Item Description:

-Aircraft is protected under XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX special access program. -These aircraft have been extensively cannibalized. Additionally, low observable coatings and classified structures will be removed. -These aircraft will require extensive re-work with false structures to be returned to an original outer mold line. Estimated cost for required DEMIL and prep to support a museum static display is $82,000. Note: Military equipment will be removed if the recipient does not have the appropriate authority to possess the equipment.


I have heard that current listings on GSAXcess include:

81-0797
82-0802
84-0827
86-0823


Wow. I guess my Christmas shopping is done.

originally posted by: Shadowhawk
a reply to: HomeyKXTA

Apparently, the government has been offering up the F-117A airframes for sale as surplus since at least last summer. In August 2017 the Government Services Administration listed F-117A (AF serial no. 84-0827) with this description:
AIRCRAFT, FIXED WING 84-0827

Wow. I guess my Christmas shopping is done.

I want one just to park in the driveway.
Screw what the neighbors think.

a reply to: FosterVS

I'm still so happy I got to kiss my fiance underneath Cooley's (RIP) F-117A being restored at Edwards. Best part was, it still had a Baja Scorpions emblem on it's side
I guess it's fair to say that the USAF's RAM coating and RCS structures are essentially Stone age.
They've reinvented the wheel boys!
When can I get one on eBay?

a reply to: HomeyKXTA

www.govliquidation.com...
This is the link for non-governmental entities.

The website Shadowhawk mentioned needs a gov or mil TLD to browse.
gsaxcess.gov...

I did a little Google dorking and it seems seems secure.