-117A Nighthawk 85-831 Skunkworks artwork on underside Hobby Master HA5807 scale 1:72 Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series Hobby Master Scale 1:72 In the 1970’s Soviet air defense systems improved and the U.S. realized they had to develop aircraft to counter this. Lockheed Skunk Works was tasked with the job and two aircraft were built under the code name “Have Blue” that proved stealth aircraft could be produced. As a result the F-117 Nighthawk was developed and first flew in 1981 with the first production F-117 80-10785 making its maiden flight on April 20, 1982 but it wasn’t until 1988 that the Pentagon confirmed its existence. The 412th Test Wing / 410th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB were the last units to operate the F-117. F-117A first flew in 1987 and on December 1, 1988 was the first F-117 to test the new OCIP II upgrade. Between November 27 and December 6, 1990 #831 wore a painting of a skunk on its belly as a tribute to the Skunk Works. On December 6, 1990 #831 was flown to Area 51 to celebrate the retirement of the company’s president Ben Rich. The painting was removed immediately after the event. Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature: Diecast metal construction with some plastic components. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details. Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals. Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors. Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear. Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight". Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards. Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads. Specifications Specifications for the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk Role – Fighter/Attack First Deployment – 1982 Retired – April 22, 2008 Full Scale Development Aircraft – 5 Production Aircraft – 59 Crew – 1 Dimensions Length – 65 ft 11 in (20.09 m) Wingspan – 43 ft 4 in (13.20 m) Height – 12 ft 9 in (3.78 m)