It was just a month after I joined Flight in 1988 that the existence of the Lockheed F-117 was made truly public. So it's a poignant day day coming up next week when the type finally retires. The 'stealth fighter' as it was commonly known when it first turned up - to distinguish it from the B-2 'stealth bomber' had in fact been in highly secretive service for some five years by the time its existence was confirmed. But I think it's still the first significant type that I've seen enter public service anyway and retire during my writing career (I think). And it's had quite a life - seen repeated combat, and even suffered a combat loss.
At Holloman AFB next Tuesday there will be a ceremony to mark its retirement. Loads of movies around - I quite like this one.
on March 7, 2008 5:59 PM | Reply
...and if you want a peek at the Nighthawk which was 'retired' by Serb forces, with considerably less ceremony, hop to Unusual Attitude's sister blog Flight International.