In this article:
The world’s first operational
The F-117A Nighthawk is the world’s first operational aircraft designed to exploit low-observable stealth technology. This precision-strike aircraft penetrates high-threat airspace and uses laser-guided weapons against critical targets.
The first F-117A flew on Jun. 18, 1981, and the first F-117A unit, the 4450th Tactical Group (renamed the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing in October 1989), achieved initial operating capability in October 1983.
F-117 Nighthawk RCS
The F-117A program demonstrated that stealth aircraft with a low radar cross section (RCS) could be conceived, designed and developed, as the following story that appears in Ben Rich’s Book “Skunk Works” proves.
Rich (who served as the second vice president of Lockheed’s Skunk Works after Kelly Johnson) recalls that time Denys Overholser, engineer and radar specialist for Lockheed’s Skunk Works, spoke to him about the first completely stealthy airframe, the F-117.
Hopeless Diamond
“Boss,” he said, handing me the diamond-shaped sketch, “Meet the Hopeless Diamond.”
“How good are your radar-cross-section numbers on this one?” I asked.
“Pretty good.” Denys Overholser grinned impishly. “Ask me, ‘How good?’”
I asked him and he told me. “This shape is one thousand times less visible than the least visible shape previously produced at the Skunk Works.”
“Whoa!” I exclaimed. “Are you telling me that this shape is a thousand times less visible than the D-21 drone?”
“You’ve got it!” Denys exclaimed.
“If we made this shape into a full-size tactical fighter, what would be its equivalent radar signature… as big as what—a Piper Cub, a T-38 trainer… what?”
Denys shook his head vigorously. “Ben, understand, we are talking about a major, major, big-time revolution here. We are talking infinitesimal.”
F-117 Nighthawk RCS: As big as an eagle’s eyeball
“Well,” I persisted, “what does that mean? On a radar screen it would appear as a… what? As big as a condor, an eagle, an owl, a what?”
“Ben,” he replied with a loud guffaw, “try as big as an eagle’s eyeball.”
The F-117 was officially retired from operations in 2008.
Although officially retired, several F-117s remain airworthy and are used to support limited research and training missions based on overall cost effectiveness and their ability to offer unique capabilities.
As of January 2021, the USAF had 48 F-117s remaining in its inventory, and is disposing of approximately four aircraft each year. As airframes are disposed, they are offered to museums though the USAF Strategic Basing program and the National Museum of the USAF.
However, as already reported, according to a Request For Information (RFI) published on Oct. 3, 2022, the Air Force Test Center is looking for suppliers with experience and capabilities to keep the F-117 Nighthawk flying until 2034.
A total of 59 F-117As were built between 1981 and 1990.
Be sure to check out Linda Sheffield Miller (Col Richard (Butch) Sheffield’s daughter, Col. Sheffield was an SR-71 Reconnaissance Systems Officer) Twitter Page Habubrats SR-71 and Facebook Page Born into the Wilde Blue Yonder for awesome Blackbird’s photos and stories.
Photo credit: Lockheed Martin and U.S. Air Force
