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[[Image:f117.jpg|thumb|right]]
[[Image:f117.jpg|thumb|right]]
The Lockheed '''F-117A Nighthawk''' was the world's first operational aircraft based entirely on stealth technology. It was designed in the late 1970s by the highly creative [[Skunk Works]] engineering team at [[Lockheed Martin]], and first manufactured in 1981. It is flown exclusively by [[United States Air Force]].
The Lockheed '''F-117A Nighthawk''' was the world's first operational aircraft based entirely on [[stealth technology]]. It was designed in the late 1970s by the highly creative [[Skunk Works]] engineering team at [[Lockheed Martin]], and first manufactured in 1981. It is flown exclusively by [[United States Air Force]]. They are nearly invulnerable, which softens their price tag of $40 million somewhat.
Its "F-" label, usually reserved for fighters, may be for political purposes. The F-117A is not a fighter aircraft but is a "ground-attack" aircraft designed for precision bombing. However, the "F-" label is more politically popular and also may attract better pilots.
Its "F-" label, usually reserved for fighters, may be for political purposes. The F-117A is not a fighter aircraft but is a "ground-attack" aircraft designed for precision bombing. However, the "F-" label is more politically popular and also may attract better pilots.
The F-117 has performed admirably in the [[Persian Gulf War]], and in [[Afganistan]]. Only one has been lost in combat. It was shot down by Serbian artillery.
The F-117 has performed admirably in the [[Persian Gulf War]], and in [[Afganistan]]. Only one has been lost in combat. It was shot down by Serbian artillery during the [[Kovoso]] campaign in 1999.
The Air Force plans to retire the F-117 between 2006 and 2008. No new pilots will be trained on that aircraft afterwards. It will be replaced by the [[F-22 Raptor]], and the funds used to maintain it will go to the Raptor instead
The Air Force plans to retire the F-117 between 2006 and 2008. No new pilots will be trained on that aircraft afterwards. It will be replaced by the [[F-22 Raptor]], and the funds used to maintain it will go to the Raptor instead.
[[Category:Aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft]]