Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk - the American fighter – bomber

The F-117 “Nighthawk” is the world's first fully operational stealth aircraft. This technology makes the aircraft difficult to see on the radar - its radar cross section is much smaller, than that of conventional aircraft. Manufactured by the “Lockheed Martin’ and “Lockheed Skunk Works” corporations and owned by the U.S. Air Force. The F-117 was used in the United States invasion of Panama, the Persian Gulf, Kosovo and the 2003 Iraq wars. Lockheed “Have Blue” was chosen as the prototype for the F-117 “Nighthawk”. All built F-117 units were of modifications F-117A. The other variants F-117B, F-117N (for aircraft carriers) and A / F-117X, offered by “Lockheed”, have not been approved. Although the first flight took place in 1981 June 18 and launched in 1983, the Pentagon first officially acknowledged, that the F-117 “Nighthawk” was used by the U.S. Air Force only in 1988 November 10. It was first shown to the public in 1990 April 21. After the 1991 Gulf War participated in the Paris Aviation Exhibition. The pilot and service personnel were next to the F-117 “Nighthawk” at all times. Initially, all planes were part of the 4450th Tactical Aviation Group and were based at Tanopa Air Base in Nevada. 1991 were assigned to the 37th group of fighters, and in 1992 to join the 49th fighter group and deploy to Holloman Air Force Base. There were three F-117 “Nighthawk” squadrons in total: two combat ("Black Sheep" and "Flying Knights") and one training ("Screaming Demons"). The pilots called themselves “Bandit”. 55 out of 59 aircraft were used. Although the service life was scheduled for 2018, already in 2006 October month decommissioning was reported. The F-117 “Nighthawk” Pilot Training School also closed in the same year. They have been replaced by the more efficient F-22 “Raptor”. Production of a single aircraft in 1983 cost about $ 83 million.

A well-designed and richly detailed model with an openable armament compartment for intermediate and experienced modelers. But not so complicated, that it would not be done by an advanced novice modeler (without a clear cockpit hood, with an intake chassis, without a combat compartment and cabin detail) under the supervision of a more experienced colleague.