‘Flying Dorito’ A-12 Avenger II Stealth Bomber Has a Message for the U.S. Navy

‘Flying Dorito’ A-12 Avenger II Stealth Bomber Has a Message for the U.S. Navy

Key Points and Summary – Born to replace the A-6, the A-12 Avenger II promised a stealth, carrier-based strike jet with internal weapons and composite skins. Carrier robustness and low-observable design collided: weight ballooned 30%, coatings hated saltwater, and performance slipped. (Dec. 31, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the “Mighty Shrikes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 94 prepares to launch from the aircraft carrier USS Nimit…