The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk is a retired American single-seat, subsonic, twin-engined, stealth attack aircraft developed by Lockheed's secretive Skunk Works division and operated by the United States Air Force (USAF).

Discover the F-117 Nighthawk, the world's first operational stealth aircraft, revolutionizing aerial warfare with its innovative capabilities and iconic design.

By the 1970s, new materials and techniques allowed engineers to design an aircraft with radar-evading or "stealth" qualities. The result was the F-117A, the world's first operational stealth aircraft.

The entry into service of the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk is a pivotal moment in aviation history. As the world’s first operational stealth aircraft, it ushered in a complete paradigm shift in air warfare.

After years in use, the F-117 was retired to make way for a new generation of stealth aircraft. So why is the legendary stealth jet still in flight?

Mar 30, 2025 · F-117, single-seat, twin-engine jet fighter-bomber built by the Lockheed Corporation (now part of the Lockheed Martin Corporation) for the U.S. Air Force. It was the first stealth aircraft—i.e., an aircraft designed entirely around the concept of evading detection by radar and other sensors.

•The F-117 Nighthawk makes its first formal public appearance at Nellis AFB in Nevada which is attended by thousands. (April 1990) •The USAF officially retires the F-117 Nighthawk with a special flyover ceremony at Holloman AFB. (April 2008)

Nov 24, 2024 · Key Points: The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk revolutionized military aviation with its groundbreaking stealth and precision targeting capabilities. Debuting secretly in 1983 and publicly revealed in 1988, the F-117 first saw combat in Panama in 1989, disorienting enemy forces for U.S. special operations.

The F-117A Nighthawk is the world's first operational aircraft designed to exploit low-observable stealth technology, enabling survivable penetration of dense threat environments and attack of high-value-targets with pin point accuracy.

Aug 31, 2022 · At the height of the Cold War, the U.S. Air Force was turning to stealth technology to advance its recon missions against its adversaries further, and the arrival of the F-117 Nighthawk...