F117 STEALTH FIGHTER LOCKHEED MARTIN

A stealth aircraft is one which registers the smallest cross section in radar and minimizes heat signatures.

F 117 first prototype was developed in the year Dec 1 1977 by US Aircraft and Defense component manufacturer LOCK HEED MARTIN. The plane was combat ready in the year 1981.

In case of normal fighter planes, the radar signal bounces back from plane to the radar. Then the radar catches the radio waves and can find out the speed, distance, direction and the size of the aircraft. The body of F 117 is painted in RAM [Radar Absorbent Materials]. Its body built in carbon composite materials.

Soviet in the 70's built the largest and the most powerful radar in the world. If war had broke out between the then soviet and America, Russia had the capability to wipe off the entire American fleet in 15 days. Such a precarious balance of power tilted towards soviet was conceived to be alarming and stealth fighters were conceptualized.

In case of stealth fighters the radar signals will bounce back at different angle so the ground radar stations will not locate it. The cross section will be very minimal for the enemy forces to reckon a combat aircraft.

Even though the F 117 was ready by 1981, the first time it was used in Iraq war 1991. Iraq then under Saddam had a good air defense system with its scud missiles and 4000 odd anti aircraft guns. In operation Desert Storm, F 117 s were first used. The F 117 had no defensive systems. On board computers will help the fighter stay stable. To avoid enemy radars detecting, F 117, there are no radar systems in the plane. Above Iraqi air space, 43 F 117 flied in 1300 successful missions, sustaining not even a single hit.

On board, the F 117 uses only laser guided missiles. The precision is within a few inches from the target. Even the missile bay and cockpit edges have been designed in a zigzag fashion avoiding any perpendicular or right angles, to avoid radar signals from bouncing back.