F-117A Nighthawk “Toxic Death” Die-Cast Model

The F-117A Nighthawk is a twin-engine attack aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin and used by the United States USAF. It's most well-known for its unique, faceted design and for being the first operational aircraft to be designed around stealth technology. First flown in 1981, it achieved initial operational capability status in October 1983. The Nighthawk was shrouded in secrecy until it was officially unveiled in 1988. It played a crucial role in the Gulf War in 1991, and in several other conflicts thereafter. The F-117A is equipped with sophisticated navigation and attack systems integrated into a digital avionics suite. It navigates primarily by GPS and high-accuracy inertial navigation. Missions are coordinated by an automated planning system that can simultaneously perform aircraft routing, target selection, weapon delivery, and mission rehearsal. The 2nd Nighthawk produced was YF-117A 79-10781 and assigned to the 410th Flight Test Squadron "Baja Scorpions" and named Scorpion 2. In 1991, the first 2 aircraft of 5 full-scale development aircraft (FSD), 79-10780 and 79-10781 were to be retired early and displayed. In order to do this 79-10781 had to be stripped of its highly classified toxic radar absorbent coating. It was blasted with baking soda in a special facility so the bare aluminum body had "Toxic Death" painted on the side because it was considered bad luck for an aircraft not to have a name. This 1:72 scale Die-Cast Model measures 11”l with a 7.25” wingspan. Model features, realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details, pad-printed markings, and placards that will not fade or peel like decals. Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors, interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear, and authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards. Includes a display stand.