F-117A Nighthawk

* AFD
* AFD Storm
* AFD Strike

"*Best known as a stealth fighter, it's really an attack plan[sic], so stick to hit and run. Maneuverable despite its appearance.*"
―Harry's description of this plane in the shop.
The **Lockheed Corporation F-117A Nighthawk** is a recurring aircraft in the *Airforce Delta* series, it has appeared in all three *Airforce Delta* games, and is usable by Holst Prendre in *Airforce Delta Strike*.

## Origin (Real-Life)

The Lockheed Corporation F-117A Nighthawk was a secret stealth attack plane, which made its maiden flight in 1981. It was kept in secrecy until 1988. It was designated as a "stealth fighter" (for the sake of being an attractive option for a budget), but it was strictly a bomber in reality. It was notably effective in the Gulf War. It was retired in 2009, by the F/A-22/F-35 combo.

## Design

One of the most futuristic-looking planes designed, the F-117A was designed to be as stealthy as possible. A very angular design, with lots of flat surfaces to help deflect radar, along with two narrow wings, two oddly angled vertical stabilizers, and two thin "rectangle" engines.

## Performance

### *Airforce Delta*

An... Interesting plane. Despite being as slow as molasses when it comes to raw speed, this thing has a surprisingly impressive mobility stat. However, it's ultimately outclassed; despite the good mobility, it doesn't have much else redeemable about it. Okay defense, but speed and power are a pisser. Not to mention you unlock this plane in the same level as you unlock the F-15S/MT Active. Needless to say, that plane is far superior to this in all aspects. So unless you don't have enough money for that plane, and you somehow don't think the F-16 and MiG-29 you have are better... Skip it.

### *Airforce Delta Storm*

Any good traits this thing might have had in the original *Airforce Delta* have vanished. This thing has poor stats across the board, especially when it comes to speed (It lacks afterburners). Admittedly, it is unlocked fairly early on, but... That's hardly a plus in its favor. You've more than likely unlocked planes that outclass it in all aspects. A superior version can also be unlocked... Though, bafflingly, this thing somehow has *better range* than the improved version, which makes no sense. Regardless. This is a below average plane, so... Skip it.

### *Airforce Delta Strike*

A much better showing. However, it's still not great. It's still a slow plane with no afterburners, and it's lost its (admittedly unrealistic) vulcan it had in the last two games. So this thing is strictly an attacker. However, it DOES have the incredible LGBs, guided bombs that still confer a triple-cash bonus, so it does have somewhat of a niche. However, it's unlocked pretty damn late in the game... So, sadly, this thing probably won't serve you much good. It's also hamstrung by internal bomb-bays, which hurts its DPS against sturdy naval targets. A miss on a lot of fronts. Stick with the F-15U Plus. The only perks over it is it's unlocked one phase earlier than the F-15U, costs 20,000 credits cheaper, and has guided bombs. But compare that to what it DOES do worse compared to the F-15U, namely, internal bomb-bays, no vulcans, worse defense, ***awful*** speed, mediocre mobility, and worse everything period. So what would you prefer? This plane, or that? Mmhm. Exactly. So... For the last time... Skip it. You can wait one more damn phase for the F-15U.

## Statistics

### *Airforce Delta Storm*

 **Range:** | 4

*Note: There are no differences in stats between the US and PAL versions*

### *Airforce Delta Strike*

(Clockwise starting from top)

 **Speed:** | Very low

## Notable Appearances

### *Airforce Delta*

* Enemy F-117As appear in The Mountain Base and Mobile Infantry. In both missions they are optional targets.

### *Airforce Delta Strike*

* Bravo Squadron uses this plane in Twister. David's F-117A noticeably lacks his trademark color scheme in the cinematic it appears in; it is destroyed in the cutscene.
* The E.D.A.F. Regular Air force uses this aircraft in the mission Night Blitz.

## Gallery

### *Airforce Delta*

Enemy F-117A from The Mountain Base.Ditto, featuring emblem.Enemy F-117A from Mobile Infantry.Ditto, featuring emblem.
### *Airforce Delta Storm*

Picture, plus stats.F-117A Nighthawk in flight.Player F-117APlayer F-117APlayer F-117APlayer F-117APlayer F-117A
### *Airforce Delta Strike*

F-117A in Holst's color scheme.F-117A with a generic color scheme.Generic F-117A Nighthawk in flight.David's F-117A, cinematic only.Ditto, rear view.F-117A used by the E.D.A.F. Regular Air Force.Front view of the F-117A.Ditto.The E.D.A.F. F-117A lacks an emblem.Bravo Team's F-117A.Aircraft statistics.F-117A Nighthawk cockpit in *Airforce Delta Strike*.The F-117A's special weapons, Large Guided Bombs.
## Trivia

* The only time this plane is encountered as an enemy is the original *Airforce Delta*. It is not an enemy in *Airforce Delta Storm* or *Airforce Delta Strike* presumably due to licensing deal with its manufacturer.
* The F-117A, along with the F-16C Block 50 Fighting Falcon and the F/A-22 Raptor are the only licensed aircraft in *Airforce Delta Storm*. All three of them are Lockheed-Martin's products.