The F-117 Nighthawk was retired 10 years ago. As Combat Aircraft marks the 75th anniversary of the Lockheed ‘Skunk Works’, we reflect on the Nighthawk’s history and evaluate why a few F-117s continue to fly in secrecy.
DURING THE BATTLE of Britain, the Royal Air Force demonstrated to the world the effectiveness of an integrated air defense system (IADS), albeit in a fledgling guise. It spurred a blueprint that was to be adopted by both the Eastern and Western power blocs. As the Vietnam War evolved, the US found itself facing a North Vietnamese opponent supported by both the Soviets and Chinese communists. As a result, US air arms lost the element of surprise and losses increased dramatically. To ameliorate against high levels of attrition, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) tactics became an essential element of any strike package into defended airspace. Aircraft were used to create ‘chaff corridors’, while electronic attack aircraft attempted to jam enemy radars and communications as the newly formed ‘Wild Weasel’ units suppressed surface-to-air missile (SAM) and antiaircraft artillery (AAA) batteries. As a result, by the end of the Vietnam War less than half the aircraft involved in major U…
