1/72 Hasegawa F-117A Nighthawk 00531

The F-117, secretly developed by the U.S. Air Force, is an aircraft designed to evade infrared and radar detection. Its development traces back to the stealth technology demonstrator “Have Blue,” which made its first flight in 1977.

Two prototype aircraft were built and underwent extensive flight testing under strict secrecy. As a result, the Air Force placed an order for full-scale development aircraft in November 1978, and deliveries of the production model F-117A began in 1982.

The aircraft’s shape consists of complex flat surfaces designed to scatter radar waves. To reduce infrared detectability, the exhaust nozzles were made long and narrow horizontally, allowing ambient air to cool the exhaust gases. Although originally developed as a fighter, the F-117A lacked air-to-air combat capability and was used for ground attack missions. It gained fame for its precision bombing during the Gulf War in 1991, though its first operational mission was an attack on Panama in 1989.

Specifications:

• Crew: 1
• Wingspan: 13.21 m
• Length: 20.09 m
• Height: 3.78 m
• Empty Weight: 15,875 kg
• Maximum Takeoff Weight: 23,810 kg
• Engines: Two F404-F1D2
• Thrust: 4,800 kg
• Prototype First Flight: June 18, 1981