Description
Secretly developed by the U.S. Air Force, the F-117
is an aircraft with the ability to make infrared and radar detection difficult. Its development dates back to
his stealth research aircraft “Have Blue,” which first flew in 1977 .
Two research aircraft were built, and as a
result of repeated flight tests under top secrecy in preparation for practical use, the Air Force
ordered a full scale development aircraft in November 1978,
and mass-produced aircraft in 1982. Delivery of F-117A has begun.
The shape of the aircraft is made up of complex planes to diffusely reflect radar radio waves , and for infrared rays,
the exhaust nozzle is elongated horizontally to lower the exhaust temperature by using outside air.
The F-117A was originally developed as a fighter jet but lacked air-to-air combat capabilities and
was used for ground attack missions,
becoming famous for pinpoint bombing during the 1991 Gulf War, but
its first mission was in 1989. It was an attack on Panama.
[Data]
Crew: 1 person
Overall width: 13.21m
Overall length: 20.09m
Overall height: 3.78m
Own weight: 15,875kg
Complete weight: 23,810kg
Engine: F404- F1D2 (2 units)
Thrust 4,800kg
First flight of prototype: June 18, 1981
