The nighthawk plane was the world's first stealth bomber, and it's the aircraft that helped launch America's war on terror. The aircraft was difficult to detect from airborne radar because of its distinctive shape.
The F-117 Nighthawk stealth bomber, also known as the F-117 Nighthawk was a revolutionary change in American thinking about how we attack our enemies. It changed the Air Force, Navy, and Navy from their previous higher-and–faster mindset to stealth.
Its unique angular design deflected, absorbed and blocked radar waves. To make it difficult to be seen from ground-based radars by enemy fighters, the surface was made black. The nighthawk aircraft flew in the skies above Iraq and Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. It destroyed thousands of targets before enemy fighters knew it was there.
This stealthy plane was created to replace Navy's Grumman A-6 Intruder. It was intended to be stealthy and capable, with a service ceiling of 40,000ft, which would allow it to hit all targets on a global scale.
The aircraft is capable of carrying a wide variety weapons including conventional bombs, nuclear and tactical cruise missiles, strategic bombers, and gravity bombs. The hull of the plane houses a large weapons bay that can hold up to 40,000 pounds worth of ordnance.
In 1983, the Air Force began development of the F-117, which was intended to be an aircraft that could fly in a stealthy manner and attack targets while staying hidden from enemy defense systems. The Air Force would eventually build 59 operational F-117s along with five prototypes. But the stealth bomber quickly became its most important strike asset.
It was also used for ground attack and several mercenary units also used the plane in operations in the Middle East. They also included the Estovakia Air Force during Emmeria–Estovakia War and Otus Squadron during the Aurelian Wars.
On Tuesday, the Air Force announced that it had brought back the Nighthawk stealth fighter bomber. It demonstrated an F-117 Nighthawk landing at Fresno Yosemite International Airport, California. According to the Fresno-based 144th Fighter Wing, it had been retired for 13 year and was in a test flight before taking off for a regular flight.
Although the nighthawk is stealthy in design, it still has some tricks to its sleeve. It can engage enemy fighters in air-to–air combat. However, it does have no on-board cannon nor other armament. The plane can be controlled by a team of three, and it has a small radar array to aid in navigation.
Although the plane is old and slightly worn out, it's still very enjoyable to fly in. The F-117 is a great way to stealth-fly if you're looking for a cost-effective option. It's as low at $55,400.