Sarah Silver
The F-117A Nighthawk
The F-117A Nighthawk is a military plane that flies during the night. It was built in Burbank, California by Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company. The plane was ready for flight in 1983, but the aircraft's first flight was on June 18, 1981 over the Nevada test ranges. Surprisingly, the F-117A Nighthawk was the first true stealth aircraft ever released! It could fly 617 miles per hour. The F-177A Nighthawk has a one person crew and it was used in the Gulf war and the invasion of Panama. However, the Nighthawk was shot down by a Yugoslav antiaircraft during a bombing. The F-117A Nighthawk was a stealthy, sleek plane that is now retired.