F-117A Retirement

Monday, April 21, 2008F-117A stealth fighter retiring todayTonopah Test Range Airfield is final flight's destination.SUN SETS ON NIGHTHAWK: The funny-looking aircraft that made a name for itself in the 1991 Gulf War will officially be retired today, the Associated Press reports.The last F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter will land at the Tonopah Test Range Airfield today following a retirement ceremony stop at Palmdale, Calif. Developed by Lockheed's secretive Skunk Works program, the aircraft is retiring early after 27 years of service. The Nighthawk's retirement was accelerated by the Air Force to help free funding.Although not as beloved as the less-stealthier but sexier SR-71 Blackbird, the Nighthawk proved its mettle as a ground attack aircraft during the 1991 Gulf War. Fifty-nine of the aircraft were made, with one shot down during a mission in Serbia. The F-22 Raptor will take over Nighthawk operations. Via Las Cruces Sun News :(