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F-117 Nighthawk

$18.95

Author - Paul Crickmore
Published in 2003 by Airlife Publishing, UK
Softcover, 96 Pages
Size - 24.5cm * 19cm

In 1978 the US government authorised Lockheed to develop an operational stealth aircraft. Its purpose was covert precision attack on high-value targets in any theatre of war. The F-117 was the result. It first flew in 1981 and became operational in 1983, although the Pentagon would not admit its existence until late 1988. The aircraft is deliberately subsonic, principally because it is difficult to avoid unwanted attention if a sonic boom is dragged along the flight path. It has a healthy combat radius of nearly 700 miles and can carry a variety of sophisticated precision weapons in its internal weapons bay.

The F-117 has proved itself to be an important weapon wherever the USA has become involved in actions against dictators and terrorist regimes. Forty-two aircraft flew from Saudi Arabia to attack targets in Iraq and occupied Kuwait. In 1999 the first loss of an F-117 occurred in Operation Allied Force. There is little doubt that whenever the US Air Force is called into actions the Nighthawk is summoned to the front line and beyond. It served for many years during the Cold War until superseded by satellite technology.

The perfect introductions for the general reader, enthusiast and modeller alike wishing to find a succinct yet detailed introduction to the design and history of the aircraft that have made history. Why was the aircraft conceived? What was it like to fly in combat? Who were the people who designed it and who became famous for flying it? What were its virtues and vices? These questions are answered and a wealth of technical data, additional information and suggestions for further reading are provided.

* The planes that have made aviation history

* Superb specially commissioned artwork: colour profiles, detailed 3-views and 'real action' cover art.

* Full technical specifications; complete operational history and first-hand accounts of flying the aircraft.

* Fully Illustrated