F117 "Nighthawk" is a stealth combat attack aircraft of the US Air Force, and it is also the world's first aircraft designed entirely with the highest technology.
The F117 was designed and produced by Lockheed, and its prototype technology is directly related to the Blue Project. The F117 was first put into combat in 1989 when the United States invaded Panama. During this campaign, two F117s launched a raid on the Panamanian military base. However, due to communication errors and temporary changes to plans, the operation was not very successful.
The F117 played a great role in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. In approximately 1,300 missions and 6,905 flight hours, the F117 successfully destroyed 1,600 ** targets, more than 40% of all strategic objectives.
Although the F117 has shown its value in previous air attack missions, the U.S. Department of Defense decided in 2006 to retire all F117s from active service within a few years due to military spending cuts. In April 2008, the F117 was officially withdrawn from the operational sequence, and its last flight was made in August 2008.
In September 2021, the U.S. military re-enabled the F117 for air combat training, and it is speculated that it is mostly related to the increasing number of ** fighters of potential opponents, so that the F117 will return to serve as an imaginary enemy.
During the Cold War in the early 80s of the 20th century, the United States had an urgent need to develop fighter jets to counter the air defense systems of potential adversaries such as the Soviet Union. This led to the creation of the F117 "Nighthawk". Its development goal is to achieve stealth operations outside the radar detection range, and to be able to accurately hit the best targets.
The main feature of the F117 "Nighthawk" is its stealth design. The aircraft uses a complex design, radar-absorbing coatings, and special materials to reduce the radar reflection cross-section, making it difficult to detect on radar. In addition, the design includes various details that optimize performance, such as the design of the air intakes and the treatment of the engine's exhaust system to minimize radar reflections.
The development history of the F117 "Nighthawk" is relatively secretive, and its existence has long been kept secret by the United States. It first flew in 1981 and officially entered service in 1983. In the Panamanian War in 1989 and the Gulf War in 1991, the F117 "Nighthawk" was dispatched for the first time in real combat and demonstrated excellent stealth and strike capabilities, successfully performing a number of missions.
The F117 Nighthawk is mainly equipped with 2 laser-guided bombs or other precision-guided **. The accuracy of these is very high, and they are able to accurately hit targets, including enemy air defense facilities and command and control centers. Its combat capabilities are reflected not only in ground attack, but also in electronic warfare missions and other special tasks.
With the development of ** technology and the emergence of more advanced * fighters, the F117 "Nighthawk" was officially retired in 2008. However, its legacy is significant in military history. The success of the F117 "Nighthawk" proves the value of ** technology in modern warfare, and provides valuable experience and foundation for the development of subsequent ** fighters.
The F117 Nighthawk was one of the most important elements of the U.S. Air Force during the Cold War and in subsequent wars. Its stealth technology and precision strike capabilities have had a profound impact on the development of modern warfare, and have provided valuable experience and inspiration for the development of future fighters in terms of technology and tactics. Although it has been retired, the influence of the F117 Nighthawk will continue for a long time. February** Dynamic Incentive Program