Hachette Collections 1:100 F-117A Nighthawk USAF 53rd WEG, 53rd TEG Det 1 The

Description: Hachette Collections Combat Aircraft HADC59 Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk Diecast Model USAF 53rd WEG, 53rd TEG Det 1, #85-0835 The Dragon, Holloman AFB, NM, 2004 1:100 Scale Length WidthLockheed F-117A Nighthawk 8" 5.25" During the development of the F-117, Lockheed's Skunk Works found that to evade visual detection the best solution was a paint scheme in different shades of gray. But since the F-117 had to fly only night missions, the U.S. Air Force stated that the Nighthawks had to be painted in black. However, in 2003 one example of the F-117A was painted in gray with the task to determine if the aircraft could play a role in daytime missions. This Nighthawk was nicknamed �The Dragon� and the operational testing on the type was accomplished at Holloman AFB (Air Force Base), New Mexico, by the 53rd Test and Evaluation Detachment 1 (Det 1). Flying two missions every day Det 1 pilots were able to determine their daytime capabilities and limitations. The new kind of coat proved immediately that the �classic� black paint scheme wouldn't be good during daylight operations. During the tests �The Dragon� was also upgraded with new software and hardware; furthermore the new paints were evaluated by measuring the impact that the gray had on the maintenance. All these trials were necessary to provide an accurate evaluation of the daytime operations with the gray paint scheme, to ensure a 24-hour stealth presence above the future battlefields. However, despite the good results of the trials, �The Dragon� would have been the only F-117 painted in gray: in fact, in 2005 when the USAF had to take a decision about repainting the entire fleet in gray, it was decided to retire all the Nighthawks. The gray F-117 made its last flight on March 12th, 2007 at Holloman AFB. Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk Designed and developed by Lockheed, the F-117 was the first operational aircraft conceived with stealth technology. It first flew on June 18, 1981, but was not officially acknowledged until 1988, when the Pentagon released a grainy, unrevealing photograph to the media (the aircraft itself was not seen by the public until 1990). With no afterburners and a shape designed to deflect radar signals, the F-117 is subsonic but effective. It has an automated planning system, sophisticated navigation and infrared target acquisition. It has been used several times in combat, most notably during the Persian Gulf War. It was retired in 2008, replaced by the more formidable F-22. Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc. Hachette Collections Combat Aircraft The Hachette Collections "Combat Aircraft" range presents affordable, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. To help keep the price down, these items arrive in low-cost, discardable blister type packaging. Hachette Collections "Combat Aircraft" diecast airplanes feature: Diecast metal and plastic construction. Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals. Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight". Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.

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Location: Grass Valley, California

End Time: 2024-09-06T00:04:26.000Z

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