Stealth technology, originating from the United States, has propelled the country ahead of others in this domain. However, countries like Russia and China are also making strides in developing hard-to-detect fighter jets, expanding beyond American aircraft. Unveiling the F-117 Nighthawk Creating a fighter jet with minimal detection capabilities is a complex challenge, especially considering the high speed associated with these aircraft.

Activating the afterburner instantly exposes the fighter to ground and air radar threats. The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk, an American attack aircraft, is considered one of the earliest stealth fighters. Although retired now, it achieved significant success in military conflicts from 1983 to 2008. The F-117 Nighthawk’s design incorporated a flying-wing aerodynamic scheme with a V-shaped tail grille.

The aircraft’s straight wing lines, flat fuselage, and faceted trapezoidal and triangular panels effectively reflected enemy radar’s electromagnetic waves. The absence of external hardpoints and the placement of weapons within the fuselage enhanced stealth. The use of advanced composite materials and radar-absorbing coatings minimized radar visibility, while heat-absorbing ceramic tiles reduced infrared visibility. Despite lacking aerial radar and being limited to subsonic speeds, the F-117 Nighthawk showcased its strengths.

With around 220,000 flight hours logged and only seven aircraft lost (10% of the total fleet), its military career can be considered successful. Accidents primarily occurred due to technical malfunctions or pilot errors. Notably, during the Kosovo war, one F-117 was shot down by a missile from the S-125 Neiva air defense missile system. While the United States has made significant progress, Russia’s Su-57 stealth fighter and China’s Chengdu J-20 also vie for superiority.

The Su-57 demonstrates exceptional speed, maneuverability, and a high thrust-to-weight ratio. Although it has limited combat experience, its deployment over Syria raised its profile. On the other hand, the J-20, drawing inspiration from the F-22 and the Russian Mig-144 prototype, incorporates Russian engines for enhanced speed and maneuverability. However, the extent of their stealth capabilities remains uncertain due to limited information and challenges in acquiring advanced materials and electronics.