Over 40 years ago, America engineered a fighter jet so advanced it resembled something out of an alien fleet. Dubbed the F-117 Nighthawk, it was a marvel of its time; crafted by Lockheed Corporation. A total of 64 of these aircraft were made. Today, they are utilized for training purposes and are known for their ability to stealthily strike.
The 65.11-foot-long aircraft is piloted solo, standing at a height of 12.5 feet. On takeoff, it weighs a mammoth 23,814 kilograms. Equipped with two General Electric engines, it hits subsonic speeds of 1100 kilometers per hour and can soar across 1720 kilometers in a single flight.
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Capable of reaching heights up to 45,000 feet, it was typically armed with bombs. It houses two internal weapons bays that could fit either laser-guided or nuclear bombs. While its active service ended in 2008 by the US Air Force, it played a crucial role during the Gulf War in 1991, raining down bombs over Iraq and Afghanistan.
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The Nighthawk's distinctive design set it apart, and even today, it appears to be a craft from the future. Though retired, it still plays a role in pilot training. Now, American fighter pilots destined to fly the advanced F-35 stealth jet first train on the Nighthawk. Defense scientists are advocating for its innovative stealth design to be studied for future fighter jet development.
