On this day June 18, 1981, the Lockheed F117 Nighthawk took to the skies for its maiden flight. This top secret aircraft was the first ever designed entirely around stealth technology, using sharp angles and radar absorbing materials to make it nearly invisible to detection systems.
The test flight took place under intense secrecy and would remain classified for years. The F117 was a bold step forward in military innovation and paved the way for future stealth aircraft.
80s insight: While the public would not know about it until later in the decade, the debut of the F117 marked the beginning of a new era in aviation where technology and invisibility went hand in hand.
The test flight took place under intense secrecy and would remain classified for years. The F117 was a bold step forward in military innovation and paved the way for future stealth aircraft.
80s insight: While the public would not know about it until later in the decade, the debut of the F117 marked the beginning of a new era in aviation where technology and invisibility went hand in hand.
