F117 Nighthawk better known as the stealth fighter

F117 Nighthawk	The F117 Nighthawk or Stealth fighter is one of the worlds strangest looking aircraft and the first operational machine to fully utilise stealth technology. It's design minimises both radar and infrared signitures by using a combination of special materials, angles and shielded jet intakes/outlets. Being black and flying at night help to hide the stealth fighter as well. The Lockheed 'Skunkworks' in California started development of this aircraft in 1978 and the first flight was made in 1981. Delivery was made to the USAF between 1982 and 1990 and totaled 54 aircraft.
The F117 has a quadruple redundent fly by wire control system. Indeed the aircraft being an aerodynamically unstable aircraft requires a computer to enable it to fly. This system keeps the aircraft under control by constantly monitoring flight parameters and suitably adjusting control deflections with minimal delay. When the pilot of the F117 moves the controls the computer decides what flying surfaces to move and by how much to deliver the manouver the pilot requires.	F117 Nighthawk
F117 Nighthawk	The aircraft although designated with the F prefix as in fighter is really a ground strike aircraft or attack bomber. Weapons are held in an internal bay to allow the F117 to remain stealthy, having a bunch of mk82 bombs hanging underneath the wing would make the aircraft light up like a christmas tree on the enemies radar screens. The performance of the Nighthawk is restricted by it's stealth design. Top speed is below mach 1. Power is provided by two GE turbofans. F117 Nighthawks served in the Gulf wars and over former Yugoslavia.