I call the F117 a figher because the Air Force does. Here are the guys who fly them:
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Holloman Air Force Base: The F-117A Nighthawk
The F-117A Nighthawk is the world's first operational aircraft designed to exploit low observable stealth technology. This aircraft is flown by pilots of the 49th Fighter Wing, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., which reports to Air Combat Command with headquarters at Langley Air Force Base, Va. The F-117 is a single-seat fighter and is designed to penetrate dense threat environments as well as attack high value targets with pinpoint accuracy.
The unique design of the F-117 provides exceptional combat capabilities. About the size of an F-15 Eagle, the twin engine aircraft is powered by two General Electric F404 turbofan engines and has quadruple redundant fly-by-wire flight controls. With an air refueling capability, the F-117 supports worldwide commitments and adds to the deterrent strength of the U.S. military forces.
The F-117 can employ a variety of weapons and is equipped with sophisticated navigation and attack systems integrated into a state-of-the-art digital avionics suite that increases mission effectiveness and reduces pilot workload. Detailed planning for missions into highly defended target areas is accomplished by an automated mission planning system developed specifically to optimize the unique capabilities of the F-117.
A total of 59 F-117 aircraft have been procured. The first TAC aircraft were delivered in 1982, and the last delivery was made in July 1990. Streamlined management by Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, combined breakthrough stealth technology with concurrent development and production to rapidly field the aircraft. The F-117 production decision was made in 1978 with a contract awarded to the Lockheed Advanced Development Projects, nicknamed "Skunk Works," in Burbank, Calif. The first flight was in 1981, only 31 months after the full-scale development decision. TAC's first F-117 unit, the 4450th Tactical Group (TG) achieved initial operational capability in October 1983.
The 4450th TG was deactivated in October 1989, and was reactivated as the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing. The F-117 has been employed in combat during both Operation JUST CAUSE (December 1989) and Operation DESERT STORM (January-February 1991). The official arrival ceremony for the F-117 to Holloman AFB was conducted May 9, 1992. The aircraft was officially named the Nighthawk in June 1994.
The F-117 has demonstrated that a stealth aircraft can be designed for reliability and maintainability. This aircraft's maintenance statistics are comparable to other tactical fighters of similar size and complexity. Logistically supported by Sacramento Air Logistics Center, McClellan AFB, Calif., the F-117 is kept at the forefront of technology through a planned weapon system improvement program located at USAF Plant 42 in Palmdale, Calif.
Specifications
- Function: fighter, attack
- Max gross weight: 52,500
- Prime contractor: Lockheed Advanced Projects
- Speed: high subsonic
- Power plant/manufacturer: two General Electric F404 engines
- Range: unlimited with air refueling
- Crew: one
- Status: operational
- Dimensions: wingspan 43 ft. 4 in., length 65 ft. 11in., height 12 ft. 5 in.
- Armament: internal weapons carriage