Monthly Archives: June 2025

The F-117 was the only airplane that the planners dared risk over downtown Baghdad. The United States Air Force. The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk is a retired American single-seat, twin-engine stealth attack aircraft that was developed by Lockheed’s secretive Skunk Works division and operated by the United States Air Force (USAF). The F-117 was based on the Have Blue technology demonstrator. The Nighthawk was the first operational aircraft to be designed around stealth technology. Its maiden flight took place in 1981 at Groom Lake, Nevada, and the aircraft achieved initial operating capability status in 1983. The Nighthawk was shrouded in secrecy until it was revealed to the public in 1988. Of the 64 F-117s built, 59 were production versions, with the other five being prototypes. The F-117 was widely publicized for its role in the Persian Gulf War of 1991. Although it was commonly referred to as the “Stealth Fighter”, it was strictly a ground-attack aircraft. F-117s took part in the conflict in Yugoslavia, where one was shot down by a surface-to-air missile (SAM) in 1999; it was the only Nighthawk to be lost in combat. Air Force retired the F-117 in 2008, primarily due to the fielding of the F-22 Raptor. Pictured here is a spectacular 1:72 scale diecast replica of a F117A Nighthawk stealth attack aircraft that was seen at the Fresno Yosemite International KFAT, California, during 2021. Dimensions: Wingspan: 7-1/4-inches Length: 11-inches. Features: – Diecast construction – Accurate markings and insignia – Full complement of weapons – Interchangeable landing gear – Opening canopy with detailed cockpit – Comes with seated pilot figure – Comes with display stand. Historical Account: “KFAT” – Fresno Yosemite International Airport (IATA: FAT, ICAO: KFAT, FAA LID: FAT) is a joint military-public airport in Fresno, California, United States. It is the primary commercial airport for the San Joaquin Valley and three national parks: Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon. It offers scheduled passenger flights to several major airline hubs in the United States and international service to Mexico. The facility opened in June 1942 as Hammer Field, a military airfield. The airport is owned and operated by the city of Fresno and operates two runways on a property spanning 1,728 acres (699 ha). Its airport code “FAT” stands for Fresno Air Terminal, a former name for the airport. Due to its central location within the state, the airport is home to several military, law enforcement, firefighting, and medical air units. The Fresno Air National Guard Base on the southeast corner of the airport is home to the 144th Fighter Wing of the California Air National Guard. The Fresno Air Attack Base on the eastern side of the airport supports aerial firefighting aircraft. Other government and military operators with facilities at the airport include the California Army National Guard, the California Highway Patrol, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fresno Police Department. Fresno is home to a large operations base for SkyWest Airlines, the nation’s largest regional airline.