F117As

The F-117 Nighthawk is a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth attack aircraft. It was developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States Air Force. The F-117 was the first operational aircraft designed around stealth technology. Its development began in the 1970s, and it was first flown in 1981, with initial operational capability declared in 1983.

The aircraft's design features a faceted surface made of radar-absorbent materials, which significantly reduces its radar cross-section, making it difficult to detect by enemy radar systems. This stealth capability was crucial for its intended role of penetrating heavily defended airspace. The F-117's distinctive angular shape, often described as resembling a "flying wing" or "bat," is a direct result of the compromises made in aerodynamic design to achieve stealth.

The F-117 was famously used in combat during the Persian Gulf War in 1991, where it flew over 1,200 sorties and was credited with destroying significant Iraqi air defense assets. It also saw action in the Kosovo War in 1999. Despite its technological success, the F-117 was retired from active service in 2008. The decision to retire the aircraft was attributed to the advent of newer stealth platforms like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, which offered a combination of stealth, maneuverability, and sensor fusion. The F-117's legacy lies in its pioneering role in the development and application of stealth technology in military aviation.