F117 Aircraft (PBR)

The Lockheed F117 Aircraft, or "Stealth Fighter," had a fascinating past. It was designed to strike ground targets with secrecy, flying at night from its dedicated airbase.

The F-117 aircraft is unique in its arrow-like shape, which naturally makes it unstable and requires computerized fly-by-wire controls for stability. Despite this, the plane manages to maintain a consistent altitude and speed.

It lacks radar, which reduces emissions and cross-section while enabling it to operate from low altitude airspace as well. Furthermore, its advanced navigation and attack systems are integrated into its digital avionics suite; this enables it to engage targets with laser-guided bombs or other weapons.

The F-117 was affectionately known as the "Hopeless Diamond," due to its curved surfaces which scatter radar beams in various directions and allow aircraft to detect radar targets without engaging them with weapons. Furthermore, sharp facet intersections on cockpit/fuselage access panels and side-by-side bomb bay doors reduce radar returns even further.

The Air Force currently has several F-117 Aircraft in storage at Tonopah Test Range, a highly classified site approximately 150 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Here the aircraft are receiving maintenance and logistics support services as they prepare to be demilitarized for display in museums.

Realistic 3d-model for various projects.