An F-117A breaks sharply away from the cameraship. Despite its ungainly appearance, the Nighthawk was surprisingly manoeuvrable, according to Wg Cdr Cooke, as illustrated here. The F-117A is being retired largely due to the high cost of maintaining its radar-absorbing coating. This underside shot shows the many panels that had to regularly inspected to ensure the aircraft remained stealthy. Note the downward-looking infra-red turret recessed near the nose of the aircraft, slightly offset to starboard.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk - СШАUSA - 1981

Sqn Ldr, now Wg Cdr, Cooke sits in the cockpit of an F-117A. During his exchange tour on the aircraft he served with the 9th FS.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk - СШАUSA - 1981