Is the F-35A a 2nd generation F-117?
In many ways, the F-35A is a second generation F-117, no? Think about it. The F-35A is optimized for night operations, and everything about it screams, ‘nocturnal predator.’ It’s sensors, sensor fusion, communication and computing power, avionics and helmet make the F-35A a relentlessly effective and lethal hunter at night. Speculating here, but Northrop Grumman might have found a way to “pack hunt” three or four AN/APG-81’s in such a way that individual aircraft cannot be located or targeted, so having a hot nose may not be a liability, at night.
The F-35A’s miserable maneuverability and indifferent handling qualities—they don’t call it, 'the little turd’ for nothing—are sufficient for an aircraft that operates at night. Both aircraft have two (2) internal bays, of similar volume and dimension that carry the same basic ordnance. Plus, the F-35A bays are a little larger, giving it internal AA capability, exactly what a 2nd gen. F-117 needed. The F-35A also has external hard-points, another addition that the F-117 needed, and the range and combat radius of the F-35A is a little better than the F-117, so another limitation has been made a little better.
The NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, (March 24, 1999 to June 10, 1999) might be key. Everything that the F-117 needed to do, but couldn’t do in that campaign has been addressed with the F-35A.
The F-35A can't turn, climb or run, but none of that really matters at night. At night doesn't the F-35 hold ALL the cards?