RIP Nighthawk Stealth Attack Aircraft…or not?
The F-117 Nighthawk was the world’s first operational stealth aircraft, designed to evade enemy radar and deliver precision strikes with laser-guided bombs. It was developed by Lockheed’s secretive Skunk Works division in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 1983. But what is the history and the future of this iconic black jet?
The F-117 was born out of a need to counter the Soviet Union’s advanced surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) that threatened U.S. air superiority. The Pentagon wanted an aircraft that could penetrate deep into enemy territory without being detected or intercepted. To achieve this, the F-117 used a revolutionary design that reduced its radar cross-section (RCS) to a minimum. The aircraft had a faceted shape made of flat panels that reflected radar waves away from the source, and a special coating that absorbed some of the remaining energy. The F-117 also had a low infrared signature, thanks to its non-afterburning engines that mixed hot exhaust with cool air and exited through narrow slits. The F-117 was so stealthy that it was nicknamed the “Wobblin’ Goblin” by its pilots, because it was hard to track even on friendly radars.
The F-117 was initially intended to carry nuclear weapons, such as the B57 and B61 gravity bombs, and strike high-value targets in a nuclear war scenario. However, the end of the Cold War and the emergence of new threats changed the role of the F-117. It was adapted to carry conventional weapons, such as the GBU-10, GBU-12, and GBU-27 Paveway laser-guided bombs, and the BLU-109 bunker buster. This revolutionary plane proved its worth in several conflicts, such as the invasion of Panama in 1989, the Gulf War in 1991, the Kosovo War in 1999, and the Iraq War in 2003. It was able to hit targets with pinpoint accuracy, while avoiding enemy defenses. The The stealth aircraft was also involved in some covert operations, such as the 1992 raid on Baghdad that killed the Iraqi intelligence chief, and the 1998 strike on a chemical weapons plant in Sudan.
This iconic aircraft was retired by the U.S. Air Force in 2008, after 25 years of service. The decision was based on the high maintenance costs, the availability of newer stealth aircraft, such as the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II, and the obsolescence of the technology of this first generation stealth aircraft. The F-117 was replaced by the F-22 as the primary stealth air superiority fighter, and by the F-35 as the multirole stealth strike fighter. The retirement of this mystical and mythical aircraft was marked by a farewell ceremony at Palmdale, California, where the aircraft was built, and a flyover at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where it was based.
However, the F-117 did not completely disappear from the skies. Some of the retired aircraft were stored at Tonopah Test Range Airport, Nevada, where they were kept in a condition that allowed them to be reactivated if needed. Some of the aircraft were also used as test platforms for new technologies and weapons, such as the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). In addition, some of the aircraft were spotted flying over the Nevada desert and other locations, sparking speculation about their possible missions. Some analysts suggested that the F-117 was still used for training, testing, or even covert operations, such as reconnaissance, electronic warfare, or cyber attacks. The stealth capabilities of the F-117, despite being outdated, could still provide an advantage in some scenarios, especially against adversaries with limited air defenses.
The F-117 Nighthawk was a groundbreaking aircraft that revolutionized stealth technology and warfare. It was a product of innovation, secrecy, and daring. It was a formidable weapon that struck fear into the hearts of its enemies. It was a legend that inspired generations of pilots and enthusiasts. And it may still be a mystery that hides in the shadows. RIP Nighthawk Stealth Attack Aircraft…or not?
