F 117 Stealth Fighter Units Of Operation Desert Storm

During the final years of the 20th century, the most significant break-through in military weaponry was the concept of Stealth technology, and the first mass-produced weapon to utilize this to perfection was the F-117 Nighthawk. Originally delivered in 1982, its existence was officially denied until the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, when it entered the public spotlight over the skies of Baghdad. Illustrated with stunning color photographs of the F-117 above Iraq, and complemented by numerous personal accounts from the pilots themselves, this book explores the history and combat experience of one of the most secretive planes ever built.

During the final years of the 20th century, the most significant break-through in military weaponry was the concept of Stealth technology, and the first mass-produced weapon to utilize this to perfection was the F-117 Nighthawk. Originally delivered in 1982, its existence was officially denied until the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, when it entered the public spotlight over the skies of Baghdad. Illustrated with stunning color photographs of the F-117 above Iraq, and complemented by numerous personal accounts from the pilots themselves, this book explores the history and combat experience of one of the most secretive planes ever built.

This unclassified account of the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing's accomplishments during Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM was prepared to permit members of the "Team Stealth" community to reflect with pride on their contribution to sustained world peace. They proved their mettle in battle and have earned the title of American warrior. It is a testament to their love for country and their willingness to sacrifice for the ideals they defend every day of their lives. The peoples of the United States and the entire Free World are forever in their debt. Nighthawks Over Iraq is based entirely on the contingency historical reports developed by SMSgt Phil Myers during his visit to Saudi Arabia as historian of the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing and the mission tally sheets developed by the wing's operations network. The proof of the pudding for stealth technology came during the F-117A's second combat employment, On 19 August 1990, the 37 TFW deployed to Saudi Arabia for Operation DESERT SHIELD- That deployment transformed into Operation DE5ERT STORM1s combat operations against Iraq from 16 January to 28 February 1991. Operation DESERT STORM featured the F-117A in its first real-world test against a modern, integrated air defense. The "Nighthawks" of the 37 TFW repeatedly flew into and through intense anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missile fire, accurately employing 2,000 tons of precision-guided munitions during 1,300 combat sorties. Wing pilots scored 1,600 direct hits against enemy targets in nearly 400 locations. without suffering a single loss, or experiencing any damage, they destroyed hardened command and control bunkers, aircraft shelters, production and storage facilities for nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, and other heavily defended targets of the highest military and political significance. Employing just 2-5 percent of the USAF assets in theater, the 37th not only led the U.N. coalition force against Iraq, but also hit nearly 40 percent of the Iraqi targets that came under fire in the first three days. Twenty-nine stealth fighters hit 26 high value targets on the first night alone- the F-117As were so effective that the Iraqi air defense system practically collapsed. Iraq's command, control, and communications network never recovered.

Covers the technical and operational aspects of the fighter aircraft Nighthawk from its initial use over Panama through to its service during Operation Desert Storm

The F-117 has proved itself to be an important weapon whenever the US Air Force is called into action. This volume profiles this American stealth aircraft.

The most in-depth Stealth fighter book ever follows the development, operation, technology, testing, and history of the F-117 Nighthawk. A special section details F-117 combat operations in Panama and the Gulf War.

Developed by the legendary Lockheed 'Skunk Works,' the F-117 Nighthawk was a phenomenal technical achievement. Featuring cutaways, detail plates and battlescene artwork, this book tells the incredible story of the design of the machine, from the revolutionary materials used to the highly advanced computer technology that was employed to make the Stealth Fighter invisible to enemy radar. Written by the world's leading authority on the aircraft from Lockheed's 'Skunk Works', Paul Crickmore, this book reveals the impact the Stealth had in combat over Panama, Yugoslavia and most notably the Persian Gulf.

"Have Blue and the F-117A: Evolution of the "Stealth Fighter" documents the history, observations, and lessons learned from the development and acquisition of the first very-low-observable combat aircraft. The book is a case study of the high-payoff, low-profile strike fighter development effort (code-named "Have Blue" and "Senior Trend"). In 1991, the aircraft played a key role in the air campaign against Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. The book describes the clear vision, strong leadership and teamwork, rapid-response decision making, and keen focus on achieving an operational capability that marked the project. Also discussed are potential applications of the strategies used in the project to today's acquisition environment.