HOME      Lockheed F-117

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
 
During the first Gulf War, Lockheed F-117 aircraft set a distance and endurance record for a single seat combat aircraft by flying from Holloman AFB in the U.S. to Kuwait in about 18 hours and 30 minutes.
 
The Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk was developed in response to an Air Force requirement for a bomber capable of not being detected by enemy radar. A contract was awarded to Lockheed in1978. The first flight of the Lockheed F-117 was on June 18, 1981, and it was deployed in 1982. However, the existence of the aircraft was only made known to the public in 1988.
 
Features of the Lockheed F-117 include angle optimized leading edges and surfaces, saw tooth edges on opening panels and doors, radar absorbing paint, coated engine intake gratings, and engine exhaust masking, all designed to reduce radar and thermal signatures.
 
In a further effort to keep a stealth profile, the Lockheed F-117 does not use radar for navigation or weapons targeting. The aircraft utilizes infrared technology instead. The Lockheed F-117 has a computerized flight control system that provides navigation and flight systems management. However, the pilot can visually acquire the target in a head up display for weapons delivery. The F-117 also has a video system to view and record real-time damage assessment.
 
The Lockheed F-117 can carry up to 5,000 lbs. of ordinance internally. Typical weapons are two laser guided bombs, two penetration bombs, two wind corrected munitions dispensers, or two joint direct attack munitions and G P S guided stand-off bombs. In theory it can carry two of every weapon in the U.S.A.F. inventory including nuclear bombs.
 
The Lockheed F-117 first saw action on 12/20/89 during Operation Just Cause in Panama. During Operation Desert Storm in January and February of 1991 the F-117 was the only Coalition fixed wing aircraft allowed to strike targets inside of Baghdad's city limits. F-117 aircraft also conducted air strikes during NATO operations in the Balkans in March of 1999.
 
It is estimated that Lockheed delivered 59 Lockheed F-117 aircraft to the United States Air Force between August of 1982 and July of 1990. It is anticipated that all Lockheed F-117 aircraft will have been replaced on their missions by the F-22 Raptor by the end of 2008.

Specifications

        US$ Cost:            
        Primary Function:
        Crew:            
        Engines:
        Thrust:
        Weight Empty:
        Max. Weight:
        Cannons:
        Ordnance:
        Length:
        Wingspan:
        Cruise Speed:
        Max. Speed:
        Climb (Est.):  
        Ceiling:  
        Range:
        First Flight:       
        Year Deployed
$122.2 million
bomber
one
GE F404
2 x 10,800 lbs. ea.
30,000 lbs.
52,500 lbs.
none
5,000 lbs.
65' 11"
43' 4"
478 mph
684 mph
15,750 fpm
45,000 feet
1,300 miles
6/18/81
1982
 
Radio Control Airplane

RC F-117 built by William MacDonald.
 
Radio Control Airplanes:
 
 
Pictured above is the Lockheed F-117 RC Airplane from RC Super Powers.com.  The radio control airplane has a wing span of 21 1/2" and a length of 33".  Construction of the RC Airplane is from Depron foam.  Pushing the radio control airplane is a Welgard 2212-06 motor with either a 5 x 5 or 6 x 4 propeller.  All up weight of the RC Airplane should be between 14 and 16 oz.
 
The first picture below is of the Lockheed F-117 ARF radio control airplane by YH Model.  The RC Airplane has a 48" wing span and a 54" length.  To power the radio control airplane it is suggested that you can use a .61 stroke engine or a .90 four stroke engine.  The RC Airplane is made from balsa and plywood.  All up weight of the radio control airplane is around 6 1/2 lbs.  
 
A Lockheed F-117 EDF radio control airplane manufactured by Walkera is being sold at several retailers.  We understand that Walkera will no longer be making the RC Airplane, so you better hurry if you want one.  The radio control airplane is of EPP construction, has a 45" wing span and a 44" length.  Two 380 type brushless motors are recommended to power the RC Airplane.  
 
Aviation Design has a Lockheed F-117 radio control airplane kit.  Wing span of the RC Airplane is 48" and length is 79".  A .91 engine driving either a Dynamax or Ramtec fan unit is recommended to power the radio control airplane.  The RC Airplane has an epoxy upper fuse and foam over obechi lower fuse.  The wings of the radio control airplane are obechi sheeted.  All up weight of the RC Airplane is around 11 1/2 lbs. 
 
The next picture below is of the Tom Hunt Design Lockheed F-117 radio control airplane being sold as a kit by Aero Craft Ltd.  The RC Airplane has a 30" wing span and a 26" length.  The radio control airplane is powered by a speed 400 type motor in the nose.  
 
The last picture on this page is of a Lockheed F-117 RC Airplane built from Parkjets.com plans. The radio control airplane has a length of 39 1/4" and a wing span of 29 1/4".  Recommended motor for the F-117 rc airplane is an EFlite Park 400- 4100.   
  
Have you built a RC Lockheed F-117 radio control airplane, or do you know of a kit, plans, or a ARF F-117 rc airplane you would like to recommend?  If so, please email us.


Radio Control Airplane
F-117 RC Airplane from YH Model.
 
Radio Control Airplane

A rc F-117 from Tom Hunt Designs.

Radio Control Airplane
F-117 rc airplane from Parkjets.com plans.