F-117 Stealth Fighter Retired By USAFWow, hard to believe this story but time marches on. The F-117 is being retired by the USAF to make room for the F/A-22 Raptor (which is rumored to have a similar radar signature profile).
To honor this occasion, I've brought out a F-117 photograph from my personal collection. I took this shot in 2003 at the Miramar Airshow. Never thought I wouldn't get another opportunity to photograph this amazing aircraft.
When I was in the USAF (1986-1990) and stationed at Nellis, we knew a bunch of guys that were secretly working on this aircraft. They used to refer to Area 51 as "secret squirrel land". The pilots used to fly modified A-7 Corsairs when they would shuttle up to the range from Nellis (that should give you an idea of how the F-117 handles in flight...). When the story broke and the first pictures leaked, it was a big relief. It's hard keeping secrets from family and close friends.
This aircraft will be missed.
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