F-117 Nighthawk
1981-2008
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The worlds first operational stealth aircraft. Proved that radar invisibility could fundamentally change air warfare.
History
The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk was developed in extreme secrecy by the Skunk Works under Ben Rich, who succeeded Kelly Johnson. The aircrafts faceted design, which made it nearly invisible to radar, was based on a Soviet mathematical paper on radar diffraction. The F-117 operated covertly from 1983 to 1988 before being publicly revealed. In the 1991 Gulf War, F-117s flew only 2% of combat sorties but struck 40% of strategic targets, often hitting within feet of aim points. The Nighthawk ushered in the stealth revolution that now defines modern air power with the B-2, F-22, and F-35.
Production & Heritage
Production Total64
DesignerBen Rich
Service Period1981-2008
Technical Specifications
Engine2x General Electric F404-F1D2 non-afterburning turbofan
Max Speed617 mph
Range930 nm
Ceiling45,000 ft
Crew1
Wingspan43.3 ft
Length65.9 ft
Empty Weight29,500 lbs
Max Weight52,500 lbs
Engine Details
Engine ModelGeneral Electric F404-F1D2
Engine Count2
Engine ManufacturerGeneral Electric
Thrust10600 lbs
Performance
Max Speed (Mach)Mach 0.92
Cruise Speed594 mph
Dimensions
Wing Area1140 sq ft
Weights
Max Takeoff Weight52,500 lbs
Armament
Bombs2x 2,000 lb GBU-27 Paveway III laser-guided bombs (internal bay)
Capacity
Crew1
Tags
Designed by Ben Rich
