November 10, 1988🇺🇸Program

F-117A Stealth Fighter and B-2 Bomber Officially Revealed

On November 10, 1988, the U.S. Air Force officially reveals the existence of the F-117A Night Hawk stealth fighter, which had been secretly operational since 1983 with sightings covered up by authorities. Twelve days later, on November 22, the B-2 stealth bomber is also displayed. The B-2's specifications raise significant questions: black-world scientists later disclose to Aviation Week and Space Technology that the B-2 electrostatically charges its leading edge with a high positive charge and its exhaust gasses with a strongly negative charge — potentially indicating an electrogravitic propulsion component. Aviation writer Bill Gunston and physicist Paul LaViolette independently conclude the B-2 appears vastly underpowered unless it has a way to reduce mass or increase lift beyond conventional aerodynamic means. Nick Cook of Jane's Defense confirms Northrop 'won the contract based on its use of electrostatics.'

Date
November 10, 1988
Location
Palmdale, California
Type
Program
Country
🇺🇸 United States
Map

Background

1. On November 10, 1988, the U.S. Air Force officially revealed the existence of the F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter, which had been secretly operational since 1983. Twelve days later, on November 22, the B-2 stealth bomber was also displayed. These unveilings marked a significant advancement in aviation technology, specifically in the field of stealth.

The Incident * The F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter was officially revealed on November 10, 1988. This aircraft had been secretly operational since 1983. * The B-2 stealth bomber was displayed twelve days later, on November 22, 1988. * The development of stealth technology dates back to the mid-1960s when the Northrop Corporation began seeking ways to reduce an aircraft's radar signature (RCS). * In 1966, DARPA funded a Lockheed program to develop ultra-quiet reconnaissance aircraft, leading to the QT-2, Q-Star, and YO-3A. These aircraft used silenced piston engines and large, low-speed propellers. * By 1974, the word "stealth" was secret. * In 1975, DARPA requested designs for an ultra-low RCS aircraft. Lockheed won with an unsolicited proposal for an aircraft design that scattered radar signals. * In the summer of 1976, Lockheed achieved a breakthrough at Groom Lake with the Have Blue demonstrator, achieving the RCS of a ball bearing. * Within a year, Lockheed developed the basic design of the F-117 Nighthawk.

Investigation * The source text does not describe any formal investigation into the F-117A or B-2. * The development of stealth technology was driven by DARPA and various corporations like Northrop and Lockheed.

Significance * The F-117A and B-2 represent a significant leap in aviation technology, particularly in reducing radar cross-section (RCS). * The development of stealth technology may account for some unexplained aerial observations. * The secrecy surrounding these programs, particularly the F-117A's operational status since 1983 before its public unveiling, highlights the potential for classified military projects to be mistaken for UAPs. * The fact that sightings of the F-117A were covered up by authorities suggests a precedent for concealing advanced aircraft technology from public knowledge. * The RCS breakthrough achieved by Lockheed, reducing an aircraft's radar signature to that of a ball bearing, illustrates the extent to which advanced technology can defy conventional detection methods. This could explain why some UAPs are not detected by standard radar systems.

Connections