The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk is a single-seat, twin-engine stealth attack aircraft that was developed by Lockheed's secretive Skunk Works division and operated by the United States Air Force (USAF). It was the first operational aircraft to be designed around stealth technology.
The aircraft achieved initial operational capability in 1983 but was kept under the strictest of secrecy for many years. It wasn’t until 1988 that the program was publicly acknowledged, and not until 1990 that it made its first formal public appearance.
A total of 64 F-117s were built, 59 production versions and 5 prototypes.
F-117A S/N 84-0810 "Dark Angel" is being added to the collection of the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson in 2022.
Armament: Up to 5,000 lbs. of assorted internal stores
Engines: Two General Electric F404-F1D2 engines of 10,600 lbs. thrust each
Crew: One
Maximum cruise speed: 684 mph
Range: Unlimited with aerial refueling
Ceiling: 45,000 ft.
Span: 43 ft. 4 in.
Length: 65 ft. 11 in.
Height: 12 ft. 5 in.
Weight: 52,500 lbs. maximum
F-117 Nighthawk in Flight - Front View (USAF Photo) |
F-117 Nighthawk in Flight - Side View (USAF Photo) |