F-117 Nighthawk

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Revision as of 02:02, 30 May 2008 by imported>Howard C. Berkowitz (New page: {{subpages}} Actually a light bomber rather than a fighter, as it has almost no air combat maneuvering capability, the '''F-117 Nighthawk''' is the first generation of operational [[st...)
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Actually a light bomber rather than a fighter, as it has almost no air combat maneuvering capability, the F-117 Nighthawk is the first generation of operational stealth aircraft. Developed secretly by the Lockheed Skunk Works, it has been operational since the invasion of Panama, and had a major role in the 1991 Gulf War.

The aircraft flies only at night, and typically has a payload of two precision-guided bombs. It is scheduled to be retired by approximately the year 2001, replaced variously the more advanced pure stealth aircraft, the B-2 Spirit bomber, and the semi-steathy F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II fighters.

One aircraft has been shot down in action.