F-117A Nighthawk American Stealth Attack Fighter
F-117A
Stealth Multirole Fighter Aircraft
Other
Basic Information
Name
F-117A Nighthawk American Stealth Attack Fighter
Designation
F-117A
Alternate Designation
—
Equipment Type
Stealth Multirole Fighter Aircraft
Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin
Date of Introduction
1982
Description
The F-117A Night Hawk American Stealth Attack Fighter is a stealthy attack fighter, originally manufactured by Lockheed Martin, in the United States. The development began with USAF Flight Dynamics Laboratory contract to Lockheed Advanced Development Projects (Skunk Works), funded by DARPA under Have Blue program. All the aircraft retired from the base in 2008, but in late 2019, the US was reported to be using the aircraft as a low-observable “red air” aggressor training aircraft against Lockheed Martin F-16 and F-22 aircraft at the Nevada Test and Training Range.
Air & Air Defense Specifications
Crew
1
Engine
Turbofan (9040 hp)
Max Speed
1100.0 km/h
Range
1700.0 km
Service Ceiling
45000 m
System
Alternate Designation(s)
F-117A Nighthawk
Type
Stealth Attack Fighter
Manufacturer
Lockheed Corporation
Crew
1 ea
Number of Engines
2 ea
Number of Hard Points
2 × internal weapons bays with one hardpoint each (total of two weapons)
Dimensions
Length
20.08 m
Height
3.78 m
Wing Span
13.20 m
Wing Area
105.9 m²
Empty Weight
13,608 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight
23,814 kg
Automotive
Engine Name
2 × General Electric F404-F1D2
Engine Type
Turbofan
Engine Power
9,040 lbf (40.2 kN) thrust each
Maximum Range
1,700 km
Maximum Speed
1,100 km/h
Service Ceiling
45,000 m
Avionics
Note
HUD based on Rockwell Collins AN/AVQ-28; large head-down display for FLIR imagery flanked by two MFDs. Retractable radio antennas beneath fuselage, ahead of port main landing gear, and on spine. Honeywell radar altimeter, Honeywell SPN-GEANS INS (replaced by Honeywell H-423/E ring laser gyro from August 1991; Rockwell Collins GPS); IBM AP-102 mission computer (replacing original three Delco M362F computers); GEC-Marconi flight control computer/Navigation Interface and Autopilot Computer (NIAC) system; SLI Avionic Systems Corporation expanded data transfer system and AHRS. Harris Corporation digital moving map added as retrofit with full-color MFDS. Forward-Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) sensor, with dual fields of view, in recessed emplacement, covered by fine mesh screen, below windscreen. Downward-looking DLIR and laser designator beneath forward fuselage to starboard of nosewheel bay; FLIR and DLIR by Texas Instruments (replaced by improved equipment during third-phase retrofit in 1994).
Armament
Note
‘Full range of USAF tactical fighter ordnance', principally two 907 kg (2,000 lb.) bombs: BLU-109B low-level laser-guided or GBU-10/GBU-27 laser-guided glide weapons; alternatively, some reports of capability with AGM-88 HARM. Internal carriage on two extendible beams in weapon bay. (Only missiles with seeker heads extended below aircraft prior to launch; bombs released from within weapon bay.) GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) introduced under OFP87 upgrade. F-117 also capable of carrying tactical munitions dispenser with BLU-114/B sub-munitions filled with spools of carbon-fiber material to short out electrical power grids.
Protection
Stealth Properties
Yes
Heat Signature Reduction
Yes
EW Counter Measures
INA
Chaffs/Flares
INA
Image Sources
Notes
https://www.greatbigcanvas.com/view/lockheed-f-117a-nighthawk-stealth-fighter-in-flight-over-desert,1972207/; https://theaviationist.com/2023/04/25/incredible-footage-f-117s-flying-low-level/; https://www.amazon.com/22x14-Lockheed-Nighthawk-Poster-FGS8-881/dp/B00WFE9CRG; https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/198056/lockheed-f-117a-nighthawk/;
Details
Country of Origin
United States
Category
Fixed Wing Aircraft
Air > Fixed Wing Aircraft
Filter Label
F
Classification
Domain
Air & Air Defense
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
20.08 m
Width
—
Height
3.78 m
Weight
23814 kg
Operators (1)
United States
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