Riverside Airshow 2007
F-117 Nighthawk
Otherwise known as the
Stealth Fighter, The Lockheed F-117 is really a precision attack
aircraft. The first flight of an F-117 took place in 1981 in Nevada.
It's unique shape and color was the source of many UFO reports in the
1980s of triangle shaped black aircraft. The F-117 has demonstrated its
capabilities many times in conflicts since the invasion of Panama,
where it was first used. During Operation Desert shield, Nighthawks
from the 49th Fighter Group based at Holloman Air Force base flew
non-stop from their home base to Kuwait, a total flight time of 18.5
hours! About 55 of these airplanes are in the USAF inventory, according
to the USAF website. The Nighthawk is due for retirement in 2008.
