Fighter Sweep
  • Home
  • Military Aviation
  • Air Force
  • Navy
  • Spec Ops
  • Expert Analysis
  • Careers
  • Photos
Home Previous Post Next Post
Follow @fightersweep

Watch: F-117 executes low pass over Death Valley in new footage from this week

March 1, 2019
Alex Hollings No Comments Drones, Military Aviation, Video

Earlier this week, we showed you pictures a number of people uploaded onto social media of an F-117 Nighthawk (colloquially know to some as the “Stealth Fighter,” despite it being a horribly inaccurate nickname) flying some unusual maneuvers over Nevada, not far from the Nellis Test Range and the infamous Area 51.

The same day, either that same F-117 or possibly a different one was also spotted flying low over Death Valley National Park in eastern California. Fortunately, the Instagram account AirShowStuff managed to get some footage of the rare spectacle — and it is something to see.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

The F-117 LIVES!!! Friend of AirshowStuff Wayne Day just shared some awesome new video from Death Valley earlier today 2-27-19. They’ve been quite active lately. Please make sure to give credit if sharing! @combat_learjet @pilotstuff #f117 #stealthfighter #stealth #deathvalley #airshow #airshowstuff #stillkicking

A post shared by AirshowStuff (@airshowstuff) on Feb 27, 2019 at 10:18am PST

While it’s not unheard of to see one of America’s F-117s sneak out of the hangar to stretch its legs, it is extremely uncommon. The platform, which was America’s first real foray into a combat operational stealth aircraft, was officially retired back in 2008, though they remain in what’s commonly referred to as “flying storage.” In other words, at least some of America’s 50 or so Nighthawks are maintained in operational condition, even as four or so air frames are dismantled every other year.

We previously postulated that this F-117 could be training for use as a low-observability aggressor aircraft, giving American pilots the opportunity to train to intercept stealth bombers or fighters being fielded by nations like Russia or China. It seems equally feasible that this aircraft may be getting one last romp in the mud before it gets fed to the proverbial wood chipper, as well — but that’s just not as much fun to imagine.

About the Author

Alex Hollings Alex Hollings writes on a breadth of subjects ranging from fitness to foreign policy, all presented through the lens of his experiences as a U.S. Marine, athlete and scholar. A football player, rugby player and fighter, Hollings has spent the better part of his adult life competing in some of the most physically demanding sports on the planet. Hollings possesses a master's degree in communications from Southern New Hampshire University, as well as a bachelor's degree in Corporate and Organizational Communications from Framingham State University.

Related Posts

  • Still flying: Photos surface of F-117 Nighthawk flying low over the Nevada desertStill flying: Photos surface of F-117 Nighthawk flying low over the Nevada desert
  • Watch: 25 F-117 Nighthawks flyover in a massive formationWatch: 25 F-117 Nighthawks flyover in a massive formation
  • F-117 spotted over California sporting the name of a squadron that doesn’t seem to officially existF-117 spotted over California sporting the name of a squadron that doesn’t seem to officially exist
  • If the F-117 has been retired, how do people keep spotting them in the skies? ‘Flyable Storage’If the F-117 has been retired, how do people keep spotting them in the skies? ‘Flyable Storage’
  • The Air Force’s new stealth drone has a huge advantage over Russian and Chinese air defensesThe Air Force’s new stealth drone has a huge advantage over Russian and Chinese air defenses

Find Us on Facebook

FighterSweep.com

Sign Up
for the Newsletter

What’s Hot

  • November 18, 2018

    Test pilots in Spain join the Marines' measuring contest by drawing 'dick in a box' with flight

  • March 14, 2015

    There I Was: The X-Files Edition

  • September 20, 2019

    From the Cockpit: Into Hell's Mouth

Follow Us

Facebook Twitter Twitter

Recent Comments

  • Vicki Fast forward to 2019 where there are dozens of class action lawsuits against [...]
  • Paul James Thanks Vicki
  • Skyler Conklin Not according to those who have actually operated it.
  • Jimmy Crackcorn he was likely chasing Jupiter, as UFOs that don't wish to be seen will turn off [...]

© Copyright 2021 SOFREP Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers