Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter Specifications
On January 17, 1991, the Nighthawks wrote a new chapter in air warfare with their attack on Iraq. On the first day of the war, Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighters flew less than three percent of the total sorties, but took out more than 30 percent of the targets. In 1,271 combat sorties during the 43 days of the air offensive, the Nighthawks made 1,669 pinpoint hits on key targets.The public was utterly fascinated by the release of films taken
during the attacks, which show the laser-guided bombs striking windows
and airshafts of buildings with an uncanny precision.
Curiously enough, the United States Air Force had not been at all
certain that the Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter would function as planned. The Iraqi defenses
were so heavy, and there was so much barrage fire, it seemed inevitable
that sheer chance would see a Nighthawk brought down. Fortunately, this
was not the case, and the first loss did not occur until the 1999 war
in Bosnia, when a lack of electronic countermeasures (ECM) coverage
(and the possibility of a security lapse) caused an F-117A to be shot
down.
The United States Air Force purchased only 59 F-117As, and losses have
whittled that number down to about 53 in the active inventory. Yet, in
every potential combat situation, there is an immediate demand for
their services. Consequently, the Air Force reserves them for use
against targets of the highest value.
Early in the Nighthawk's career, rumors abounded that it was difficult
to fly. However, the multiple computer systems on board compensate for
its lack of stability, making it a pleasant aircraft to fly. Its pilots
are very loyal to it.
Length: 65 ft. 11 in. Height: 12 ft. 5 in. Empty Weight: 30,000 lbs Gross Weight: 52,500 lbs Top Speed: 603 mph Service Ceiling: 40,000 ft. (est.) Range: 690 miles Engine/Thrust: Two General Electric 404s/10,800 lbs each Crew: 1 Ordnance: Two 2,000-lb precision- guided weapons (nature varies) |
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