{"product_id":"acd12475","title":"Academy 1\/72 F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter\/Bomber Model Kit – ACD12475","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAcademy 1\/72 Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter\/Bomber Plastic Model Kit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuild one of the most revolutionary military aircraft of the modern era with the \u003cstrong\u003eAcademy 1\/72 Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter\/Bomber plastic model kit (ACD12475)\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnown 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAcademy F-117A Nighthawk Model Kit Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1\/72 scale Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk stealth attack aircraft\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinctive faceted fuselage and low-observable aircraft design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed cockpit interior with instrument panel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClear cockpit canopy with optional open or closed positioning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecessed exterior panel lines and stealth aircraft surface details\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed landing gear and wheel well assemblies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternal weapons bay with detailed doors and bomb racks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptional extended or retracted weapons mounting assemblies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo 2,000-pound precision-guided bombs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRealistically reproduced aircraft control surfaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthentic United States Air Force waterslide decals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIllustrated assembly instructions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnassembled plastic model kit requiring painting and assembly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistory of the Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eLockheed F-117A Nighthawk\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eF-117A Nighthawk in Operation Desert Storm\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe F-117A became internationally famous during \u003cstrong\u003eOperation Desert Storm in 1991\u003c\/strong\u003e, when American stealth aircraft carried out precision bombing missions against heavily defended targets in Iraq.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOperating 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe F-117A was officially retired from frontline USAF service in 2008, although some aircraft have continued flying in limited testing and training roles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDetailed Internal Weapons Bay and Precision-Guided Bombs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcademy'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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cockpit, landing gear, and distinctive angular exterior provide additional opportunities for careful painting and detailing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBuild a 1\/72 Scale USAF Stealth Aircraft\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModelers 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore additional modern military jets, historic fighters, bombers, and helicopters in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/academy-airplane-helicopter-model-kits\"\u003eAcademy Airplane \u0026amp; Helicopter Model Kits collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eComplete Your Academy F-117A Nighthawk Model Kit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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 \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/paint\"\u003emodel paints and hobby painting supplies\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover additional military aircraft, tanks, naval ships, and specialty models in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/academy-models\"\u003eAcademy Models collection\u003c\/a\u003e, or explore our complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plastic-model-kits\"\u003eplastic model kits collection\u003c\/a\u003e at Fusion Scale Hobbies.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Academy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50916829298944,"sku":"ACD12475","price":20.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0613\/6453\/5552\/files\/ACD12475_1.jpg?v=1793931038","url":"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/products\/acd12475","provider":"Fusion Scale Hobbies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}