F-117 Nighthawk: Stealth Fighter That Made History in Military Aviation (YouTube @LockheedMartin)
The F-117 Nighthawk is one of the most iconic fighters in military aviation, known for its stealth capabilities and participation in major combat missions.
Developed in the 1970s at the request of the United States Air Force, its goal was to strike targets without being detected. Despite construction challenges, Lockheed Corporation successfully delivered it secretly between 1981 and 1982, with its existence only being publicly confirmed in 1989.
The jet was used in several military operations, including the invasion of Panama, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War. It was shot down only once, in 1999, during the Kosovo War.
Although its maximum speed was approximately 1,101 km/h (Mach 1), the F-117 was not designed to be the fastest aircraft but rather to be nearly invisible to enemy radar. With General Electric F404-F1D2 engines, its structure was designed to minimize radar reflections, allowing it to approach targets undetected. This feature ensured the success of its missions, making it a crucial asset in U.S. military strategy.
Production of the F-117 ended in 1999, with a total of 59 units built. It was retired between 2006 and 2008, but the aircraft remains a milestone in military engineering history, remembered as one of the most innovative fighters ever built.
Source: TecMundo | Photo: YouTube @LockheedMartin | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
The F-117 Nighthawk – Stealthy and mysterious, much like the secrets at Skunk Works®. pic.twitter.com/N3SFaAaSGi
— Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) October 31, 2023
