- "Best known as a stealth fighter, it's really an attack plan[sic], so stick to hit and run. Maneuverable despite its appearance."
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[]
| Type | Stats |
|---|---|
| Speed: | Low |
| Power: | Medium-low |
| Defense: | Medium |
| Mobility: | High |
Airforce Delta Storm[]
| Type | Stats |
|---|---|
| Attack: | Medium-low |
| Defense: | Medium-low (2450 HP) |
| Speed: | Medium-low (No afterburners) |
| Power: | Medium-high |
| Mobility: | Medium-low |
| Missile: | 40 |
| Ability: | Stealth |
| Range: | 4 |
Note: There are no differences in stats between the US and PAL versions
Airforce Delta Strike[]
(Clockwise starting from top)
| Type | Stats |
|---|---|
| Anti Air Attack: | Very low |
| Mobility: | Medium |
| Defense: | Very high (4100 HP) |
| Anti Ground Attack: | Very high |
| Thrust: | Low (No afterburners) |
| 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[]
.png "F-117 Enemy AFD 1 (emblem).png (483 KB)")
.png "F-117 Enemy AFD 2 (emblem).png (577 KB)")
Airforce Delta Storm[]
.png "AFD2 F-117A Player (2).png (652 KB)")
.png "AFD2 F-117A Player (3).png (646 KB)")
.png "AFD2 F-117A Player (4).png (515 KB)")
.png "AFD2 F-117A Player (5).png (486 KB)")
Airforce Delta Strike[]
.png "F-117A Nighthawk (EDAF).png (301 KB)")
.png "Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk™️ (1).png (660 KB)")
.png "Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk™️ (2).png (578 KB)")
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.