The unique design of the single-seat F-117A provides exceptional combat capabilities. The F-117A can employ a variety of weapons and is equipped with sophisticated navigation and attack systems integrated into a state-of-the-art digital avionics suite that increases mission effectiveness and reduces pilot workload. Detailed planning for missions into highly defended target areas is accomplished by an automated mission planning system developed, specifically, to take advantage of the unique capabilities of the F-117A.   

The first F-117A was delivered in 1982, and the last delivery was in the summer of 1990. The F-117A production decision was made in 1978 with a contract awarded to Lockheed Advanced Development Projects, the "Skunk Works," in Burbank, Calif. The first flight was in 1981, only 31 months after the full-scale development decision. Air Combat Command's only F-117A unit, the 4450th Tactical Group, (now the 49th Fighter Wing, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.), achieved operational capability in October 1983.   

The F-117A program has demonstrated that a stealth aircraft can be designed for reliability and maintainability. The aircraft maintenance statistics are comparable to other tactical fighters of similar complexity. Logistically supported by Sacramento   

General Characteristics   

Primary Function: Fighter/attack   
Contractor: Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Co.   
Power Plant: Two General Electric F404 engines   
Length: 65 feet, 11 inches (20.3 meters)   
Height: 12 feet, 5 inches (3.8 meters)   
Weight: 52,500 pounds (23,625 kilograms)   
Wingspan: 43 feet, 4 inches (13.3 meters)   
Speed: High subsonic   
Range: Unlimited with air refueling   
Armament: Internal weapons carriage   
Unit Cost: $45 million   
Crew: One   
Date Deployed: 1982   
Inventory: Active force, 54; ANG, 0; Reserve, 0