Max. gross weight: 52,500 Ib. Length: 65 ft. 11 in. Crew: one
Speed: high subsonic Span: 43 ft. 4 in.
Armament: internal weapons
Range: unlimited with air refueling Height: 12 ft. 5 in. USAF production: 59 aircraft
Developed for the U.S. Air Force by the Lockheed Advanced Development Company, commonly known as the "Skunk Works", the F-117A Stealth Fighter is the first operational aircraft conceived to exploit low observable stealth technology. Flown by pilots of the Tactical Air Command's 37th Tactical Fighter Wing, this single-seat fighter is designed to penetrate dense threat environments and attack high-value targets with pinpoint accuracy.
Its unique design gives the F-117A exceptional combat capabilities. Powered by two General Electric F-404 turbofan engines, the aircraft has quad-redundant fly-by-wire flight controls that provide excellent flying qualities and maneuverability. The F-117A is equipped with sophisticated navigation and attack systems integrated into a modern digital avionics suite. A variety of tactical fighter weapons can be employed. Detailed planning for missions into highly defended target areas is accomplished using an automated mission planning system developed to optimize the F-117A's capabilities.
Lockheed and the Air Force teamed to bring breakthrough stealth technology rapidly to fruition through concurrent development and production. The F-l17A first flew in June 1981, only 31 months after the full-scale development contract award. Lockheed began making deliveries in 1982 and the aircraft achieved initial operational capability in October 1983, less than five years after go-ahead. Operational experience since has proven that outstanding reliability and maintainability can be achieved with a stealth aircraft.
Among the awards associated with this program is the 1989 Collier Trophy, awarded to the Lockheed-USAF F-117A development team for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America.
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