Before the 90's layoffs, I got to work on some of the systems used in these fighters (Weapons Bay Controllers, need to 'hide' weapons to be 'stealthy'). Bay doors had to open, drop down weapons rack, deploy weapon's weights of 5K lbs or more, and then close, all within 5 secs to minimize the radar signature!

Started with the Navy's going-to-be first stealth fighter, the A-12 Avenger...bet yall never heard of it! ha ha Was canceled by then Sec of Defense Cheney under Bush I. Was a delta wing, carrier-based fighter that was fully stealth. Wasnt a total waste tho, concepts were used in the following ATF fighters YF-22 (built by consortium of Lockheed/Martin/Boeing)and YF-23 Black Widow (built by the consortium of Northrup and McDonnell Douglas), the prototypes for the present generation of air superiority fighter--the F/A-22 Raptor.

2 each of the afore mentioned fighters were built and tested thru 'fly-offs' over several years of development. My group had modified an existing system used in the still black program back then of the B-2 bomber. And, altho our A/C, the YF-22, won the contract, my co.'s system was integrated into other hardware and we didnt get anything out of it in the way of a production contract, other than some R&D $$$. Such is life, and layoffs in the aerospace industry. LOL (The reason the YF-22 won was better maneuverability and tighter turning.)

Just saw a program on THC today and thought some of you might be interested---brought back many memories for me....that long ago?? Geesh!! ha ha

BTW, the hottest air superiority fighter B4 development of the F/A-22 was the F-15 Eagle---nothing could touch it with it's 200 kills and NO losses during it's history! Former F-15 pilots say that the F/A-22 Raptor is like a hot-rod compared to it, since has' thrust vectoring' which allows tight-turns by re-directing the engine exhaust in conjunction with wing controls. (Concept of 'thrust vectoring' was proven on the X-31 Rockwell exp. A/C previously).

A-12 Avenger




XF-23 Black Widow (test A/C)


F/A-22 Raptor

Lockheed has the old General Dynamics/Consolidated factory here in FTW. I have watched them turn out some great stuff. Used to watch the F-1 11. Them they started testing the F-16. Wow. when it was new it was amazing to to watch the test pilots put it through it's paces. Traffic on I-820 used to back up as people pulled over to see the maneuvers this thing could do. Have not seen as much of the Raptor or F35 that they are developing now. I was wondering how many G's the F-22 pulls with the adjustable nozzles? The Falcon could pull 9 and it looks like the Rator would be even higher. I have 2 neighbors who work out there but they don't discuss the new stuff. If this thing will pull 11 or 12 there aren't that many who could handle the strain. Oh well, every time I watch these marvels I am always glad they are on our side!

Yeah, lived in DFW area for many years back when (Arlington/Plano), and watched the F-111's (first movable wing A/C) and many B-52's fly over. Still miss those B-52's when come thru there---lots of rumble and black smoke! ha ha

Here's a link that I got those pics from: [LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link.

(wouldnt paste in here or Wordpad good with the tables)

Lots of general comparision specs, but didnt see Gmax--may be classified?!

I grew up near Forest Park in FTW. Moved to Ridglea area when I was about 16. First few months thought I would never get used to 52's and kc 135's. We were about 200 yards off the flight path and the whole damn house would rattle. This was when Curtis LeMay was still head of SAC. Every 4 to 6 weeks they had their ORI drills. It could be 4 in the morning and there would be 4 to 6 B-52's followed closely by 2 to 4 KC-135's. Talk about noise. got used to it after while, except when watching TV. No remotes in those days. Had to get up, run over and turn it up and them turn it back down. Funny, didn't need to lose any weight back then. They moved them all out about 10 years ago. Some times when the weather is bad you will see one or a B1B landing out there to wait it out before heading to Dyess in Abilene or Barksdale in LA I think. They did make it a joint reserve training base so now we get to watch F-18's simulate carrier landings and lots of Falcons cause of Lockheed/Martin.

Funny how all those people working on top secret projects such as these weapons platforms can keep a secret


surely someone would have said something.

I'm sure it's hard for you to believe this, Rebel, but there are some people who still live by words like honor and respect.

__________________
Keep that diesel burnin' and those tires turnin', but get there safe to keep on earnin'!!

you totally missed the point I was making.


there are reasons other than the ones you just mentioned why people keep secrets for the government/military.

1) payoff
2) intimidation of self (or especially family)
3) ruination of career or livelihood
4) discrediting
5) example-setting

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