Why is the F-117 called a fighter?

The F-prefix in F-117 may suggest that the platform was intended to operate like a fighter jet (like the F-15, F-16, F-35, etc), but in truth, the platform was actually an attack aircraft–meaning it’s official designation should have been A-117 instead (like the A-10 Thunderbolt II or the AC-130 Ghostrider).

How was the F-117 shot down?

On 27 March 1999, during the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, a Yugoslav army unit (the 3rd Battalion of the 250th Air Defense Missile Brigade, which was under the leadership of Colonel Zoltán Dani) shot down an F-117 Nighthawk stealth aircraft of the United States Air Force by firing a S-125 Neva/Pechora surface-to-air …

What is the F-117 Nighthawk made of?

aluminum
The aircraft is mainly constructed of aluminum, with titanium for areas of the engine and exhaust systems. The outer surface of the aircraft is coated with a radar-absorbent material (RAM). The radar cross-section of the F-117 has been estimated at between 10cm² and 100cm².

When was the F-117 made public?

October 1983
Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk/Introduced

How much does a F-117 cost?

By bringing together existing technology and components, Lockheed built two demonstrators under budget, at $35 million for both aircraft, and in record time.

Was the F-117 a fighter or bomber?

F-117, also called Nighthawk, single-seat, twin-engine jet fighter-bomber built by the Lockheed Corporation (now part of the Lockheed Martin Corporation) for the U.S. Air Force. It was the first stealth aircraft—i.e., an aircraft designed entirely around the concept of evading detection by radar and other sensors.

What was the F-117 used for?

Has an F-117 been shot down?

As a result, Yugoslavian surface-to-air missiles successfully targeted and downed the F-117 with the call sign “Vega 31,” piloted by Lt. Col. Dale Zelko. The pilot managed to successfully eject from the aircraft and radio that he had been shot down and was later rescued following a major search-and-rescue operation.

What was the F-117 Nighthawk used for?

What influenced the development of the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk?

The F-117 Nighthawk was developed in response to the urgent national need for a jet fighter that could operate completely undetected by the enemy. In true Skunk Works fashion, it was developed rapidly and in complete secrecy.

What does the F-117 do?

Where are F-117 based?

Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada
Because the F-117 was classified during this time, the unit was officially located at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and equipped with A-7 Corsair II aircraft. All military personnel were permanently assigned to Nellis AFB, and most personnel and their families lived in Las Vegas.