The US Air Force's remaining 53 Lockheed Martin F-117 stealth fighters have been returned to flight status after the US Air Force lifted its grounding order which resulted from the crash on 14 September of an F-117 during an air show near Baltimore, Maryland. The aircraft broke apart and crashed into a residential area, injuring six people. The pilot ejected safely. According to the USAF, the crashed aircraft had a significant wing defect.
Source: Flight International
The January incident at Ellsworth AFB resulted in the destruction of the $450 million bomber and a rare quadruple ejection of the crew, who were attempting to execute an instrument landing during poor weather.
Athens signed a long-sought letter of offer and acceptance with airframer Lockheed Martin covering 20 F-35 stealth fighters, with options for a further 20 jets.
The joint North American Aerospace Defense Command dispatched fighter aircraft from both the USA and Canada on 24 July to intercept a combined flight of bombers from Russia and China operating in international airspace around Alaska.
