Lockheed Martin F-117 Nighthawk

The stealth attack aircraft built for precision night operations.

Overview

Lockheed Martin United States ICAO: F117 1983–2007 $122 million (1998)

The Lockheed Martin F-117 Nighthawk was a pioneering stealth attack aircraft developed to evade radar detection. Designed for precision strike missions, it introduced low observable technology into operational service. The aircraft entered service in the 1980s.

Live Fleet Activity (F117)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × General Electric F404-F1D2 turbofans
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 10,600 lbf · 47 kN
Avionics
Kaiser Electronics head-up display
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
65 ft 11 in  ·  20.08 m
Tail height
12 ft 5 in  ·  3.78 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
43 ft 4 in  ·  13.20 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
52,500 lb  ·  23,800 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
5,000 lb  ·  2,250 kg
Fuel capacity
2,850 gal · 10,700 L · 8,600 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
594 kt  ·  684 mph  ·  1,100 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
150 kt  ·  173 mph  ·  278 km/h
Range
930 nm  ·  1,070 mi  ·  1,720 km
Fuel burn
0.33 nm/gal  ·  0.16 km/L
Ceiling
69,000 ft  ·  21,000 m
Rate of climb
3,000 ft/min  ·  15 m/s
Takeoff distance
6,200 ft  ·  1,890 m
Landing distance
7,400 ft  ·  2,250 m
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An F-117 Nighthawk engages its target and drops a GBU-27 guided bomb.

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Operational Context

Lockheed Martin F-117 Nighthawk — stealth attack aircraft

The F-117 first flew in 1981 under strict secrecy and entered operational service in 1983. Its faceted design reduced radar reflections and marked a new approach to combat aircraft development. The aircraft was optimized for nighttime precision bombing missions.

Powered by two General Electric F404 turbofan engines producing approximately 10,600 pounds of thrust (47 kN) each, the F-117 cruised at high subsonic speed. Maximum takeoff weight was roughly 52,500 pounds (23,800 kg). It carried precision-guided munitions internally to maintain stealth characteristics.

The Nighthawk saw combat in the Gulf War and subsequent conflicts. Its success demonstrated the operational value of stealth technology. The aircraft was officially retired in 2008, though it remains a landmark in aviation history.