F117 Nighthawk Cost Revealed

Introduction to the F117 Nighthawk

The F117 Nighthawk, developed by Lockheed Skunk Works, is a single-seat, twin-engine stealth ground-attack aircraft previously used by the United States Air Force. The aircraft’s unique design, which includes its angular shape and radar-absorbing materials, makes it nearly invisible to radar. The F117 was first introduced in 1983 and played a significant role in several military operations, including the Gulf War and the Kosovo War, before its retirement in 2008.

Development and Operational History

The development of the F117 began in the 1970s, with the goal of creating an aircraft that could evade radar detection. The project, code-named “Have Blue,” involved the use of advanced materials and design techniques to minimize the aircraft’s radar cross-section. The F117’s first flight took place in 1981, and it was officially introduced into service in 1983. During its operational history, the F117 was used in several combat missions, including the Gulf War, where it was used to attack high-value targets in Iraq. The aircraft’s stealth capabilities made it an invaluable asset in these missions, allowing it to penetrate heavily defended airspace undetected.

Design and Features

The F117’s design is characterized by its unique angular shape, which is designed to reflect radar waves away from the aircraft. The aircraft is also coated with radar-absorbing materials, which help to reduce its radar cross-section. The F117 is powered by two General Electric F404 engines, which provide a total of 11,000 pounds of thrust. The aircraft has a top speed of over Mach 0.9 and a range of over 500 miles. The F117 is also equipped with a variety of advanced avionics, including a digital flight control system and a sophisticated navigation system.

Cost and Budget

The cost of the F117 program was significant, with the total development cost estimated to be around 10 billion. The cost of each individual aircraft was estimated to be around 45 million, although this cost varied depending on the specific configuration and the number of aircraft produced. The F117 program was also criticized for its high operating costs, which were estimated to be around $100,000 per hour. Despite these costs, the F117 was considered to be a valuable asset by the US Air Force, and it played a significant role in several military operations.

Retirement and Legacy

The F117 was officially retired from service in 2008, after a 25-year operational history. The aircraft’s retirement was due to a combination of factors, including the introduction of new stealth aircraft, such as the F22 Raptor and the F35 Lightning II, and the increasing maintenance costs associated with the F117. Despite its retirement, the F117 remains an important part of military aviation history, and its legacy continues to influence the development of new stealth aircraft.

🚀 Note: The F117's retirement has also led to the preservation of several aircraft, which are now on display in museums and air parks around the world.

Specifications

The F117 has the following specifications: - Length: 65 feet 11 inches - Wingspan: 43 feet 4 inches - Height: 12 feet 9 inches - Empty weight: 30,000 pounds - Maximum takeoff weight: 52,000 pounds - Engines: 2 x General Electric F404 - Thrust: 11,000 pounds - Top speed: Mach 0.9 - Range: 500 miles - Service ceiling: 45,000 feet - Rate of climb: 10,000 feet per minute

Specification	Value
Length	65 feet 11 inches
Wingspan	43 feet 4 inches
Height	12 feet 9 inches
Empty weight	30,000 pounds
Maximum takeoff weight	52,000 pounds
Engines	2 x General Electric F404
Thrust	11,000 pounds
Top speed	Mach 0.9
Range	500 miles
Service ceiling	45,000 feet
Rate of climb	10,000 feet per minute

In summary, the F117 Nighthawk is a significant aircraft in military aviation history, known for its stealth capabilities and its role in several combat missions. While the aircraft has been retired from service, its legacy continues to influence the development of new stealth aircraft. The cost of the F117 program was significant, but the aircraft’s capabilities made it a valuable asset for the US Air Force.

The main points of the F117 Nighthawk include its unique design, advanced materials, and stealth capabilities, as well as its operational history and retirement. The aircraft’s specifications, including its length, wingspan, and engines, are also important aspects of its design and capabilities.

The F117 Nighthawk will be remembered as a pioneering aircraft in the development of stealth technology, and its influence can still be seen in modern military aviation.