Nighthawk takes final bow at Dubai

Nighthawk takes final bow at Dubai
By Wendell Minnick - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Nov 14, 2007 8:28:43 EST

The Air Force’s F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter made its last air show appearance in Dubai this week. Two Nighthawks were on static display and one took part in the daily flight demonstrations. Pilots and maintenance crews made themselves available to answer questions.

“After 25 years in operation, it is the last air show appearance in the world,” said one maintenance crewman.

The F-117, which completed combat missions over Iraq, Kosovo and Panama, is now facing the end of its mission life after 26 years of operation. The Nighthawk took its first flight in 1981 and achieved operational status in 1983. However, it was not unveiled to the world until 1988. Produced by Lockheed’s famous Skunkworks, one aircraft was shot down in March 1999 during the Kosovo war by the Serbian 250th Missile Brigade using an SA-3 “Goa.”

Lockheed delivered 56 Nighthawks to the Air Force between 1982 and 1990.

“Half are already retired and the rest will be retired in April,” said Air Force Maj. Bret Carter, Air Combat Command, 49th Fighter Wing, 8th “Black Sheep” Fighter Squadron based at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.

Carter said the F-117 would be replaced by the new F-22 Raptor.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/11/defense_nighthawk_071114/



uhc comment: Good luck on those F-22s --> http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=259&topic_id=5912