Facts summary and sources
Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk: Speed category: High subsonic (Qualitative published specification). Museum: maximum cruise 684 mph. First flight: 1981.
This is a secondary compilation. A source-check date applies only to the listed claim, not to the whole page or its translation. A page update is not a source check.
Sources and check records
- Lockheed Martin: F-117 Fast Facts (2019) — The published speed category is high subsonic; this source does not give an exact maximum Mach number. [Qualitative published specification] · Source checked for this claim: 2026-10-10
- National Museum of the USAF: F-117A — The museum lists maximum cruise speed as 684 mph, not a certified top-speed record. It also lists a 45,000 ft ceiling and two 10,600 lbf F404-F1D2 engines. [Museum specification; cruise and maximum speed are distinct] · Source checked for this claim: 2026-10-10
- Lockheed Martin: F-117 dimensions and production — The 2019 fact sheet lists 64 aircraft (59 production and five developmental prototypes), length 20.09 m, span 13.21 m, height 3.78 m, empty weight 13,381 kg and maximum takeoff weight 23,814 kg. [Dated manufacturer fact sheet] · Source checked for this claim: 2026-10-10
- Lockheed Martin: F-117 program history — Have Blue preceded the F-117; the F-117 first flew in 1981, reached initial operational capability in 1983 and retired in 2008. [Program chronology; Have Blue is a separate demonstrator] · Source checked for this claim: 2026-10-10
- 144th Fighter Wing: F-117 training (2021) — Two F-117s arrived at Fresno on 13 September 2021 for training; the report describes limited research and training use after retirement. [Dated official report, not a current fleet count] · Event date: 2021-09-13 · Source checked for this claim: 2026-10-10
✈️ Full Specifications
| Designation | F-117A |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Skunk Works |
| Country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| First flight | 1981 |
| Service Entry | 1983 |
| Retired | 2008 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Length | 20.09 m (65.9 ft) |
| Wingspan | 13.21 m (43.3 ft) |
| Height | 3.78 m (12.4 ft) |
| Empty Weight | 13,381 kg (29,505 lb) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 23,814 kg (52,510 lb) |
| Speed category | High subsonic — Museum: maximum cruise 684 mph |
| Speed evidence basis | Qualitative published specification |
| Service Ceiling | 13,716 m (45,002 ft) |
| Engine | 2 × General Electric F404-F1D2 (non-afterburning) |
| Thrust (each) | Dry 47.15 kN |
| Production | 64 |
🌐 Operators
🔁 Variants
- Developmental prototypes — 5 aircraft
- Production aircraft — 59 aircraft; Have Blue was an earlier, separate demonstrator program
⚔️ Armament
How fast is the F-117 Nighthawk?
The F-117 is a high-subsonic aircraft, not a supersonic fighter. Lockheed Martin’s 2019 fact sheet gives that speed category without an exact Mach maximum. The USAF museum lists a maximum cruise speed of 684 mph (about 1,101 km/h). That cruise specification is not a certified top-speed record; a Mach-to-speed conversion also requires an atmospheric condition.
Overview and design
The F-117 was the first operational stealth aircraft, designed for precision attack. Its faceted shape and radar-absorbing materials reduced radar returns; stealth does not make an aircraft undetectable. Lockheed’s program history identifies Have Blue as the earlier demonstrator that led to the F-117, rather than another name for the production aircraft.
Operational history
The first F-117 flew in June 1981. Initial operational capability followed in October 1983, and the program was publicly acknowledged in 1988. Its combat debut came in Panama in December 1989; it later flew in the Gulf War and Operation Allied Force. One aircraft was lost in combat in 1999. The USAF retired the fleet from operational service in 2008.
Retirement did not end every flight. The 144th Fighter Wing’s September 2021 report records two F-117s visiting Fresno for training and describes limited research and training use. This dated report does not establish today’s active fleet size.
Armament
The F-117 carried weapons internally for precision ground attack. The USAF museum lists up to 5,000 lb of internal stores; the exact load depends on the mission.
Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an F-117 fly faster than sound?
Its published speed category is high subsonic. The museum’s 684 mph figure is labelled maximum cruise speed; an exact maximum Mach number is not established by these sources.
How many F-117s were built?
Lockheed Martin records 64 aircraft: 59 production aircraft and five developmental prototypes. The earlier Have Blue demonstrators are a separate program.
Is the F-117 still in service?
It retired from operational service in 2008. Official reporting documents later research and training flights, including the September 2021 Fresno visit.
References & Sources
- Lockheed Martin: F-117 Nighthawk Fast Facts (November 2019) — speed category, dimensions, production and milestones.
- National Museum of the USAF: F-117A — maximum cruise speed, engines, ceiling and internal stores.
- Lockheed Martin: F-117 history — Have Blue, development and retirement.
- 144th Fighter Wing / Air Combat Command: F-117 training (2021) — dated post-retirement use.
Explore how stealth reduces detection and why Mach conversions need atmospheric conditions.