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| Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk |
Militarymedia.net | From experience with two XST technology demonstrators, Lockheed's Skunk Works developed the world's first operational tactical fighter to use low observable, or stealth, technology to reduce vulnerability to radar detection.
Developed in complete secrecy, the first of five FSD prototypes flew in 1981, and in 1983 the first USAF units were declared operational. The F-117A was officially recognized by the Pentagon in 1988, and in 1989 the type finally came into action during the US invasion of Panama.
The F-117 made a significant contribution to Operation Desert Storm; 42 aircraft flew from Saudi Arabia on a night mission against high priority targets in Iraq and occupied Kuwait. The F-117A struck a Serbian target during Operation Allied Forces in 1999 and suffered its first operational loss. It was shot down in Serbia by Serbian troops. Eventually part of the debris reached China and Russia. There is speculation that recent Chinese and Russian aircraft with reduced radar cross-sections may have used some of the technology from the destroyed Nighthawk.
In USAF planning, the F-117 is used for strikes against highly influential targets such as the C³l center, air defense sector centers, major bridges and airfields. The F-117A uses a highly accurate internal navigation system to position it in the right position to launch an attack. Forward-looking infrared and downward infrared are used to locate targets. Precision-guided ammunition is guided to hit the target directly by a downward-facing infrared-reflecting laser.
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| Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk |
After the Gulf War, the F-117 dropped out of the USAF covert program or outside the covert program and was integrated into the Air Combat Command's combat capabilities. In 1990 Lockheed initiated the Strike Capability Enhancement Program for the remaining 57 F-117A out of 59 production and five pre-series delivered. The goal is to increase combat effectiveness by reducing the cockpit workload. The upgrade adds a new flight management system, new cockpit instrumentation with full color multi-function display, digital moving maps and a new infra-red acquisition and designation system installed in the tower. The internal navigation system was replaced by a new ring laser gyro system which was later integrated with GPS. All aircraft were upgraded by 1995. The F-117 equips the 49th Fighter Wing at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.
This stealth ground attack aircraft was retired from US Air Force service in 2008. The main reason is the addition of ground attack capabilities to the F-22 Raptor and future.
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| Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk |
