Few planes in aviation history have enthralled as much as the F-117 Nighthawk. Commonly referred to as the ultimate stealth fighter, this incredible aircraft has a history that goes far beyond its 2008 technical retirement. Even now, these aircraft remain airborne, quietly contributing to missions and training exercises, demonstrating that their worth continues far into the 2030s.
Its jagged, angular design and aura of intrigue have made the Nighthawk more than an aircraft—it’s a point in aviation history and a devoted fan base. Learning its history is as much about resilience and sustained applicability as it is survival.
The Nighthawk’s peculiar shape was not merely cosmetic. Its flat, faceted surfaces were shaped to disperse radar waves, and the aircraft had special radar-absorbing coatings applied as well that made it harder for enemy sensors to detect.
The aircraft’s radar cross-section at its peak was reported to be no bigger than a marble. The F-117 made its first flight in 1977 and became operational in 1983, but it was under wraps for a few years.
When it finally saw action, the F-117 did not disappoint. From missions in Panama to the Gulf War, it showed an unnerving talent for attacking heavily fortified targets with pinpoint accuracy. In Desert Storm, the Nighthawk flew a minority of missions but destroyed a disproportionate number of key targets—without losing a single aircraft or sustaining combat damage. Its accuracy revolutionized the calculus of air warfare: fewer planes, lower risk to pilots, and maximum strategic effect.
But the F-117 wasn’t without its flaws. It wasn’t designed for speed, maneuverability, or multirole capability, and newer planes such as the F-22 and F-35 surpassed it in range and adaptability. Yet the Air Force did what it could to make the Nighthawk stay current. Rather than being completely retired, it was tasked with missions where its capabilities could shine through.
Most F-117s today are aggressor jets in training exercises, flying “sneaky” enemy roles for pilots and probing radar and infrared detection systems. Others are test platforms, testing new stealth coatings, avionics, and mission systems. Due to rapid changes called T-2 changes, the planes can be configured for a range of test missions at a low cost, offering engineers and tacticians a handy, flexible tool.
Maintaining these aircraft operational also shields the Air Force’s newer F-22s and F-35s from the pressure of risky training. More importantly, it retains the experience and expertise of first-generation stealth technology—a legacy that continues to influence the next generation of planes.
The majority of active F-117s are based at the far-off Tonopah Test Range in Nevada, an area that has had secret programs attached to it for a long time. The fleet has been incrementally depleted over the years, with some being retired to museums and others being dismantled. However, some are kept fully flight-worthy, with a desire to have part of the fleet in the air at least until 2034, although not for use in combat.
One of the major new additions to its expanded service is the F-117’s interoperability with the KC-46 Pegasus air refueling tanker. This enables the plane to perform longer, more demanding training and test flights, while the KC-46 itself is upgraded to enhance refueling for a variety of aircraft, including legacy platforms such as the Nighthawk.
The F-117’s ongoing flight isn’t merely about respecting history—it’s about answering current demands. Initiatives such as Next Generation Air Dominance depend on actual stealth targets and reliable test vehicles. The Nighthawk’s reliable signature, versatility, and tested design make it a critical resource for sensor testing, tactical prototyping, and experimental studies, keeping it viable for decades since its initial takeoff.