Academy 1/72 F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter/Bomber Model Kit – ACD12475

Academy 1/72 Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter/Bomber Plastic Model Kit

Build one of the most revolutionary military aircraft of the modern era with the Academy 1/72 Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter/Bomber plastic model kit (ACD12475). Developed by Lockheed's legendary Skunk Works division, the F-117A became the world's first operational stealth attack aircraft, combining groundbreaking low-observable technology with precision-guided weapons.

Known for its distinctive angular shape and matte black finish, the F-117A Nighthawk became an iconic symbol of American military aviation during the late Cold War and the 1991 Gulf War. This detailed 1/72 scale Academy model recreates the aircraft's unmistakable faceted airframe, internal weapons bay, cockpit, and landing gear, making it an excellent project for modern military aircraft enthusiasts.

Academy F-117A Nighthawk Model Kit Features

• 1/72 scale Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk stealth attack aircraft
• Distinctive faceted fuselage and low-observable aircraft design
• Detailed cockpit interior with instrument panel
• Clear cockpit canopy with optional open or closed positioning
• Recessed exterior panel lines and stealth aircraft surface details
• Detailed landing gear and wheel well assemblies
• Internal weapons bay with detailed doors and bomb racks
• Optional extended or retracted weapons mounting assemblies
• Two 2,000-pound precision-guided bombs
• Realistically reproduced aircraft control surfaces
• Authentic United States Air Force waterslide decals
• Illustrated assembly instructions
• Unassembled plastic model kit requiring painting and assembly

History of the Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk

The Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk was developed during the late 1970s as part of a classified United States Air Force program to create an aircraft capable of penetrating heavily defended airspace while minimizing detection by enemy radar systems.

Designed by Lockheed's Skunk Works engineering team, the aircraft incorporated a revolutionary faceted airframe that redirected incoming radar signals away from their source. Combined with radar-absorbing materials and carefully designed aircraft systems, this approach significantly reduced the Nighthawk's radar signature.

The F-117A first flew in 1981 and entered operational service in 1983. Its existence remained classified for several years before the United States Department of Defense publicly acknowledged the aircraft in 1988.

Despite its fighter designation, the F-117A was primarily designed for precision ground attack missions rather than air-to-air combat. Its twin General Electric F404 turbofan engines provided the power needed for subsonic flight, while internal weapons carriage helped maintain the aircraft's low-observable characteristics.

F-117A Nighthawk in Operation Desert Storm

The F-117A became internationally famous during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, when American stealth aircraft carried out precision bombing missions against heavily defended targets in Iraq.

Operating primarily at night, Nighthawks attacked strategic military installations, command facilities, and other important targets using laser-guided bombs. Their reduced radar signature allowed them to operate in environments that posed significant risks to conventional combat aircraft.

The success of the F-117A during the Gulf War demonstrated the military potential of stealth technology and influenced the development of later aircraft, including the B-2 Spirit, F-22 Raptor, and F-35 Lightning II.

The F-117A was officially retired from frontline USAF service in 2008, although some aircraft have continued flying in limited testing and training roles.

Detailed Internal Weapons Bay and Precision-Guided Bombs

One of the most distinctive features of the F-117A Nighthawk was its ability to carry weapons internally rather than on conventional external pylons. This arrangement helped reduce radar reflections while allowing the aircraft to conduct precision attacks against high-value targets.

Academy's 1/72 scale F-117A model kit reproduces the aircraft's internal weapons bay with detailed bomb racks and optional extended or retracted mounting assemblies. The included precision-guided bombs allow builders to display the aircraft in a configuration representative of its operational ground attack role.

The cockpit, landing gear, and distinctive angular exterior provide additional opportunities for careful painting and detailing.

Build a 1/72 Scale USAF Stealth Aircraft

The Academy F-117A Nighthawk offers an engaging modeling project for builders interested in modern military aviation, stealth aircraft, and Gulf War history. Its unique faceted design makes it immediately recognizable alongside more conventional fighter aircraft.

Modelers can recreate the aircraft's characteristic black operational finish using appropriate dark paints, subtle tonal variations, panel line washes, and restrained weathering effects. Careful finishing helps emphasize the Nighthawk's unusual geometry without overwhelming its distinctive stealth appearance.

The completed F-117A makes an excellent addition to a modern USAF aircraft collection alongside the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 Thunderbolt II, and other American military aircraft.

Explore additional modern military jets, historic fighters, bombers, and helicopters in our Academy Airplane & Helicopter Model Kits collection.

Complete Your Academy F-117A Nighthawk Model Kit

This plastic aircraft model kit requires assembly and painting. Model cement, paints, and hobby tools are sold separately. For realistic stealth aircraft finishes, primers, clear coats, and weathering supplies, browse our model paints and hobby painting supplies.

Discover additional military aircraft, tanks, naval ships, and specialty models in our Academy Models collection, or explore our complete plastic model kits collection at Fusion Scale Hobbies.