This week in Midweek Updates
CSIR and Sysdel collaborate on new Acepod electronic warfare pod for the SAAF.
The Pilatus PC-12 Was Last Year's Most Flown Business Aircraft in the USA.
Tecnam and Center Air Pilot Academy announced the purchase agreement for 2 additional Tecnam P2006T NG twin engine aircraft for its fleet.
Toyota and Joby complete first air taxi flight in Japan.
Piper Aircraft announced that the M700 Fury has received type certification from EASA, ANAC, CASA & FIKI.
Cessna Citation Ascend continues to progress through certification program, will deliver with latest update of Garmin G5000 avionics suite.
The Netherlands orders 12 Airbus H225M helicopters.
Japan Airlines' and Sumitomo Corporation's Joint Venture Company, Soracle, Announces Agreement Including Intended Purchase of up to $500M of Electric Aircraft from Archer
This week in history - The US Air Force publicly unveils the F-117 Nighthawk
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - PTAR 2024 Thursday Arrivals and Test Flying
CSIR AND SYSDEL COLLABORATE ON NEW ACEPOD ELECTRONIC WARFARE POD FOR THE SAAF
An advanced electronic warfare (EW) pod developed domestically by Sysdel, Armscor, the South African Air Force (SAAF) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was unveiled at September's Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition.
The Acepod, designed by Sysdel of Centurion and supported by Armscor and the SAAF, marks a significant advance in the country's airborne defence capabilities. The CSIR played a crucial role in integrating and testing the pod on the SAAF's Hawk Mk 120 aircraft.
The Acepod, short for Airborne Countermeasure and ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) Pod, is a technology demonstrator funded by the SAAF and acquisition agency Armscor. Its primary function is to develop and demonstrate advanced electronic warfare technology, while also providing crucial training to EW and radar personnel. This is critical for the SAAF, enabling the development of strategies and expertise in operating with jamming equipment.
Sysdel specialises in the development, manufacture and support of Electronic Warfare systems in the radar domain. Although Sysdel led the design of the original Acepod Mk 1, the CSIR was brought in to support integration, specifically focusing on adapting the pod to the fast jet environment. Sysdel's experience in electronic warfare systems was complemented by the CSIR's expertise in aircraft integration, as the latter tackled challenges like aerodynamics, physical constraints and flight requirements. The CSIR's primary task was to address the physical challenges posed by the pod's size and weight while not being involved in the pod's internal electronics.
One of the major challenges faced during development was the size of the pod. Weighing 326 kilograms and stretching over three and a half meters in length, the pod is the heaviest payload ever integrated onto a South African Hawk. This posed unique challenges, particularly given the limited ground clearance of the Hawk's relatively low undercarriage. To address this, the CSIR developed a custom trolley to safely load and mount the pod under the aircraft's centre pylon.
Despite these challenges, the integration process was completed at a fraction of the cost that would have been charged by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The CSIR's work on the Acepod Mk 2 resulted in the development of a new methodology for integrating large payloads onto fast jets, which has since been patented.
The first flight test of the Acepod Mk 2 took place in March this year. Primary envelope expansion tests have demonstrated the pod's compatibility with the Hawk, confirming its structural and operational integrity in flight. The next phase, involving the testing of the pod's actual jamming payload, is scheduled for early next year. This timeline depends on the availability of testing facilities in South Africa, including critical vibration tests that will further validate the pod's performance.
The pod requires considerable support from the aircraft to function, as it draws power from the Hawk to run its onboard systems. The collaborative effort between Sysdel, the CSIR and the SAAF's Test Flight and Development Centre (TFDC) was essential in overcoming these technical hurdles, with the CSIR orchestrating the process in close coordination with the Air Force's Directorate System Integrity.
The Acepod Mk 2 represents a major leap in South Africa's electronic warfare capabilities. The SAAF has never had access to such a powerful jamming pod and once fully operational, the pod will significantly enhance the SAAF's ability to conduct EW missions and safeguard its airspace against evolving threats.
THE PILATUS PC-12 WAS LAST YEAR'S MOST FLOWN BUSINESS AIRCRAFT IN THE USA
The Swiss-Made PC-12 was last year's most frequently flown business aircraft in the USA. Specifically, 316,328 take-offs by the “World's Greatest Single” were recorded between August 2023 and July 2024, representing 8.8 percent of all departures. Once again, this single-engine turboprop impresses with its versatility, safety, reliability and efficiency.
In business aviation, the USA is the world's dominant market. “AvBuyer” provides an overview of the most frequently flown business aircraft based on information from “WingX Advance”, the aviation industry data specialist. This overview reveals that the Pilatus PC-12 comes top of the list of most frequently flown business aircraft in the USA - with 316,328 takeoffs between August 2023 and July 2024.
Statistically, a good 70 of the world's global fleet of over 2,000 PC-12s are in the air at any given time. In 2023 alone, Pilatus produced 101 PC-12s in the heart of Switzerland for delivery all over the world, including 48 for customers in the USA. The international PC-12 fleet has now completed well over ten million hours in the air and is used for a wide range of missions - including business travel, cargo transport, air ambulance and emergency services.
Launched in 2019, the latest version, the PC-12 NGX, is a state-of-the-art aircraft fitted with the safest turboprop engine available - the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6. Stastics show that this engine makes the PC-12 one of the safest single-engine aircraft around.
The PC-12 embodies Pilatus's efforts in the area of sustainability and is capable of reaching destinations with comparatively low fuel consumption. The engine is certified for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), another benefit which contributes to safe, efficient flight.
TECNAM AND CENTER AIR PILOT ACADEMY ANNOUNCED THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR 2 ADDITIONAL TECNAM P2006T NG TWIN ENGINE AIRCRAFT FOR ITS FLEET.
Center Air Pilot Academy, which was the launch customer for the P-Mentor, chose Tecnam as its main aircraft supplier and partner because Tecnam today offers the most modern and efficient fleet solution, from single engine two-seaters for ab-initio to twin engine aircraft for multi-engine piston and complex ratings, covering all the needs of a modern flight school.
The two new P2006T will innovate the Center Air fleet, standardize the fleet and increase the capacity of the Academy, especially since last October the Center Air Pilot Academy, together with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), launched an MPL program to train the next generation of Scandinavian pilots!
The P2006T NG, Next Generation is the latest version of the P2006T, one of the smartest twin-engine aircraft on the market today, offering unbeatable value and innovative design with a modern Garmin avionics suite, integrating all primary flight, navigation, communication and terrain data on two high-definition LCDs.
The aircraft is also equipped with two-axis autopilot, for the most efficient MEP complex training.
Fitted with two Rotax 912iSc3 injected engines, the Tecnam P2006T exhibits remarkable fuel savings and can be operated on AVGAS and MOGAS fuel, leading to huge cost savings, offering the best training for Multi Engine, Variable Pitch and Retractable Landing Gear ratings. The advanced avionic system offers VFR/ VFR Night, MEP, IR, PBN (LNAV, VNAV, LPV).
“The introduction of these two new Tecnam P2006T Next Generation aircraft will enable us to provide our ATP Integrated students with the highest standards of training. The P2006T NG and the P-Mentor, the most innovative training aircraft on the market, with their low fuel consumption, will help us significantly in reducing our total carbon dioxide emissions compared to our current fleet and comparable aircraft. With this fleet renewal, our flight training continues to evolve and creates the best possible environment for our students to commence world-class training and become commercial airline pilots.” Said Simon Frost, Center Air Pilot Academy Co. Owner and CTKI.
“Since the launch of the P-Mentor, we were confident that our partnership with the Frost family and the Center Air Pilot Academy team would be a successful one. Our goal is to elevate flight training to a new standard of excellence. Our fleet solution is a market-leading offering that provides reliability, cost control, intelligent training, and low emissions. In partnership with Center Air Pilot Academy, we are proud to be at the innovative forefront of flight training.” Said Walter Da Costa, Tecnam Chief Sales Officer.
Tradition, innovation and vision. These factors are taking Tecnam to new horizons. Based on recent data and industry benchmarks, Tecnam offers the greenest training fleet in the world. Flight schools using Tecnam's single and twin-engine fleet can save up to 10 tonnes of CO2 emissions for each student who completes a Commercial Pilot Licence - a 60% reduction compared to a fleet using 100LL fuel across 155 flight hours, including 30 hours in a twin. www.Tecnam.com/soar-greener.
TOYOTA AND JOBY COMPLETE FIRST AIR TAXI FLIGHT IN JAPAN
Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota; NYSE: TM) and Joby Aviation, Inc. (Joby; NYSE:JOBY), a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, today announced the completion of Joby's first international exhibition flight which took place at Toyota's Higashi-Fuji Technical Centre in Shizuoka, Japan earlier this week.
The flight, completed within sight of Mount Fuji, marked an opportunity to demonstrate the low acoustic footprint of Joby's emissions-free aircraft and celebrate nearly seven years of collaboration between the two companies, during which time Toyota has supported Joby by providing insights from its extensive automotive manufacturing and technology expertise. Toyota engineers now work side-by-side with the Joby team in California and, in 2023, the two companies signed a long-term agreement for Toyota to supply key powertrain and actuation components for the production of Joby's aircraft.
"Our first overseas flight marks a significant milestone on our journey towards making clean air travel an everyday reality,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby. “We share Toyota's vision for the future of mobility and are honoured to have had the opportunity to present a glimpse of that future through our flight in Japan.”
A wide range of stakeholders gathered at the test facility for an event to celebrate the exhibition flight and historic milestone, including Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, and representatives of Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau.
At the event, Hiroki Nakajima, executive vice president and chief technology officer of Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “Air mobility has the potential to change our 'sense of distance and time,' and open a future with the new option of air mobility that will further enrich the lives of many people.”
“Toyota is committed to deepening our collaboration with Joby and we will continue to work together to realize our shared dreams,” he continued.
Joby's electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, offering high-speed mobility with zero operating emissions and a fraction of the noise produced by helicopters. This new mobility service aims to reduce traffic congestion, minimize environmental impact, and provide transportation solutions for urban and rural regions, demonstrating the potential to address various transportation challenges in Japan and around the world. Joby was founded in 2009 and has since completed thousands of test flights, including exhibition flights from the iconic Downtown Manhattan Heliport in New York City.
PIPER AIRCRAFT ANNOUNCED THAT THE M700 FURY HAS RECEIVED TYPE CERTIFICATION from EASA, ANAC, CASA & FIKI
Piper Aircraft announces today that the M700 FURY has received type certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Brazil's Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC), and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia, including approval for flight into known icing (FIKI) and unpaved surfaces. Customers in these regions have been eagerly awaiting these certifications to take delivery of their aircraft, with deliveries beginning this month.
The M700 FURY is the fastest single-engine aircraft in Piper's history, offering a maximum cruise speed of 301 knots and a range of 1,424 nautical miles. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-52 engine, this cabin-class turboprop combines exceptional performance with advanced features; including the HALO Safety System with Garmin's Emergency Autoland, and FIKI making it ideal for both private owners and operators.
“The EASA, ANAC, and CASA certifications are significant milestones for the M700 FURY,” said John Calcagno, President & CEO of Piper Aircraft. “These approvals reinforce our commitment to delivering a world-class aircraft with exceptional performance, safety, and versatility to key international markets.”
The M700 FURY is designed with both safety and ease of use in mind. Safety-enhancing features include Garmin's Electronic Stability Protection (ESP), SurfaceWatch™, and SafeTaxi®, providing pilots with increased awareness and control. For ease of use, the aircraft is equipped with Autothrottle and Garmin PlaneSync™, simplifying operations and streamlining preflight and in-flight procedures.
CESSNA CITATION ASCEND CONTINUES TO PROGRESS THROUGH CERTIFICATION PROGRAM, WILL DELIVER WITH LATEST UPDATE OF GARMIN G5000 AVIONICS SUITE
Textron Aviation today announced the Cessna Citation Ascend continues to progress through its certification program and will be equipped with the latest enhancements to the Garmin G5000 avionics suite. This flight deck will provide pilots with significant technological advances when it enters into service, expected to be in 2025.
The Ascend program includes two test articles - Prototype (Proto) and P1 - which have accumulated nearly 600 flight hours through more than 200 flights.
"Citation business jets are renowned for their superior performance and productivity,” said Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president of Global Sales & Flight Operations. “Including the Garmin G5000 in the Citation Ascend demonstrates our continued commitment to designing and delivering the best aviation experience for our customers. We can't wait to see this aircraft deliver to customers.”
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The Ascend is designed to bring a new cockpit, improved performance and a luxurious cabin to the midsize business jet market. The aircraft's state-of-the-art avionics, autothrottles, high payload capacity and impressive range offer customers reduced pilot workload and the ability to do more and go farther.
When equipped with the latest Garmin G5000 avionics suite, the Ascend will feature an array of new advanced features and technology from Garmin, including Synthetic Vision Guidance System (SVGS) shown on the primary flight displays, that couples with Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) to support approach minima as low as 150 ft (46 m). SVGS provides a continuous, geo-spatially correct depiction of the external scene topography, including obstacles, augmented by the display of the runway.
Expanded SVT Capabilities for Improved Taxiway Routing
SVT enhancements include a 3D exocentric view of the SafeTaxi® airport environment to aid situational awareness while taxiing. SVT also displays 3D building footprints including hangars, terminals and towers, taxiways, aprons, signs and other markings to help reduce runway incursions by providing guidance while taxiing at airports contained in the SafeTaxi database. The enhancements also support pilot situational awareness by increasing topographical clarity, sharpening water and terrain boundaries, improving obstacle and powerlines display and enhancing runway and airport sign depictions. SVT introduces multiple viewpoints for the first time and integrates with the new Taxiway Routing feature that allows the flight crew to use the touchscreen controller to enter taxi routes, which then provides guidance on the 2D navigational maps or 3D SVT depictions - particularly at large, unfamiliar and complex airports during low visibility conditions.
Enhanced Traffic Awareness and Separation
The Ascend can utilize the standard automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) In capability for Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) Assisted Visual Separation (CAVS). CAVS increases pilots' traffic awareness and assists pilots in maintaining separation from preceding aircraft equipped with ADS-B out during visual approaches to landing. Runway Occupancy Awareness (ROA) utilizes Surface Indications and Alert (SURF-IA) and ADS-B data to provide alerts when attempting a take-off or landing on an occupied runway.
Advanced Connectivity and Data Exchange
For qualifying regions, the GDL 60 Datalink offers high-bandwidth data exchange and connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and LTE networks. The GDL 60 features the ability to complete automatic wireless database downloads over network connections while the aircraft is powered off. Additionally, enhancements to the optional GDL 69A allow the Garmin G5000 suite to access more SiriusXM Weather products.
Comprehensive Display and Situational Awareness
The G5000 integrated avionics suite features three landscape-oriented flight displays with split-screen capability, allowing pilots to simultaneously view maps, charts, checklists, Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS), Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), flight plan information, weather and more, increasing situational awareness for the flight crew. It also includes Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) and fully automatic advanced weather radar and ADS-B Out compliance and allows for future growth and expansion through software updates.
AIRBUS SIGNS HISTORIC CONTRACT TO PROVIDE 19 H135 MILITARY TRAINING HELICOPTERS TO THE ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE
Airbus Helicopters has signed a landmark contract with SkyAlyne, a joint venture between Canadian defence leaders CAE and KF Aerospace, to provide the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with 19 Airbus H135 helicopters to train the next generation of RCAF Pilots. The contract is part of Canada's Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program and marks the first time that Airbus helicopters will fly as part of the Canadian Armed Forces.
The twin-engine helicopters will be completed and delivered from Airbus Helicopters' industrial facility located in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada. They will be customised with a number of Canadian developed Supplemental Type Certificates, including modifications to the avionics suite and communications systems, as well as custom development in the cockpit. Deliveries are expected to begin in the first half of 2026.
“SkyAlyne is excited at the successful conclusion of negotiations between our partners at KF Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters in Canada, and we extend our gratitude to everyone involved. Securing the Airbus H135 fleet for the RCAF is an important milestone for SkyAlyne and the FAcT Program as it solidifies a core element of the program schedule,” commented Kevin Lemke, SkyAlyne's senior executive. “The selection of the state-of-the-art H135 from Airbus Helicopters contributes meaningfully to the Canadian economy and SkyAlyne is proud to be building a world-leading Pilot and Aircrew training program for the RCAF while supporting Canadian jobs.”
“Entering into this partnership with SkyAlyne and the Department of National Defence is a historic moment for Airbus Helicopters in Canada. We thank the Royal Canadian Air Force for placing their trust in Airbus and the H135, joining 12 other militaries around the world that employ the twin-engine H135 to train future aviators,” said Dwayne Charette, President of Airbus Helicopters in Canada. “This contract marks Airbus Helicopters' successful entry into the Canadian military market. As we celebrate 40 years of serving Canadian customers locally, we are honoured to contribute to the safety of Canadians for many years to come.”
The agreement consists of H135 aircraft acquisition and a support and services package, support for the development of a Ground-Based Training Solution, and advanced engineering support for the release to service.
With more than 400,000 flight hours in a dedicated military training role, the H135 is utilised for basic ab-initio, advanced IFR and tactical training, with operators including several of Canada's close military allies such as Australia and the UK. A full spectrum training aircraft, the H135 facilitates the development of core skills while providing twin-engines and advanced avionics, allowing easy and safe pilot transition to more complex helicopters in the RCAF's fleet. It joins other Airbus aircraft currently operating for Canadian defence, such as the Airbus 310 (CC150 Polaris), the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (CC330 Husky), and the Airbus C295 (CC295 Kingfisher).
Since 1984, Airbus Helicopters has delivered nearly 600 helicopters in Canada. In 2023, the Canadian fleet of 760 in-service helicopters accumulated over 275,000 flight hours. The Fort Erie facility is also the centre of excellence for light single gearboxes, and the single source for critical composite components supporting platforms worldwide. Each year, Airbus Helicopters ships 34,000 parts from Fort Erie to customers around the globe.
In Canada, more than 4,500 people work at ten Airbus locations, covering the commercial airliner, helicopter, defence and space sectors. Airbus' presence in Canada contributes to approximately 23,000 indirect jobs and generates more than C$ 2 billion in revenues annually for more than 850 Canadian companies.
THE NETHERLANDS ORDERS 12 AIRBUS H225M HELICOPTERS
The Dutch Ministry of Defence has awarded a contract to Airbus Helicopters for 12 H225Ms. The contract also includes an initial batch of support and services. The agreement was signed by Vice-Admiral Jan Willem Hartman, Head of the Netherlands Command Materiel and IT (COMMIT) agency, and Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters during the Euronaval trade show in Paris.
“We are very proud to see the Royal Netherlands Air Force and COMMIT renewing their trust in Airbus Helicopters. The H225M was selected by the Netherlands in June 2023 after a call for tender and an exhaustive evaluation, after which the Airbus helicopter was considered the best option for the very demanding special forces operations,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO. “The proven H225M is unmatched in terms of performance, versatility and range. It can carry extensive mission equipment that can be tailored to each customer's needs and will be serving its customer's requirements for the decades to come,” he added.
The RNLAF currently operates Cougars from the H215M family. The H225Ms will be operated by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) 300 Special Operations Squadron. Airbus Helicopters and the RNLAF will work closely together on the development of the H225M adapted to the requirements of the users, enhancing capabilities and efficiency for special operations missions' success, through tactical communication and a unique design of interaction of the aircraft and its systems.
The H225M has proven its reliability and durability in combat conditions and crisis areas. Benefiting from Airbus' continuous improvement policy, the H225M is now equipped with new avionics, an enhanced main gear box, airborne communication systems and can be equipped with the HForce weapon system. The maximum take-off weight has been increased by 160 kg to reach 11,160 kg.
There are more than 350 H225s and H225Ms in service around the world, totalling more than 880,000 flight hours. Military customers include France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary.
JAPAN AIRLINES' AND SUMITOMO CORPORATION'S JOINT VENTURE COMPANY, SORACLE, ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT INCLUDING INTENDED PURCHASE OF UP TO $500M OF ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT FROM ARCHER
Soracle plans to launch its AAM operation in Japan using Archer's Midnight aircraft, with the goal of offering electric air taxi flights in cities where existing ground transportation is constrained by traffic or geographic barriers.
To do so, Soracle has obtained the right to place aircraft orders of up to 100 Midnight aircraft, totalling approximately $500M, which would include pre-delivery payments based on certain milestones in advance of aircraft delivery.
Soracle will develop a variety of flight routes in attractive areas for residents as well as domestic and international visitors. Route locations could include places like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Hokkaido, Setouchi and Okinawa with the aim of establishing a transportation network that creates new value through mobility in the sky.
Archer and Soracle will work closely with the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) to obtain the necessary permissions and certifications. Archer and JCAB have already begun discussions and Archer intend to work to certify our aircraft in Japan.
To memorialize this joint agreement, Soracle and Archer held a signing ceremony in Tokyo on September 26, 2024.
“Japan is widely respected for its forward-thinking approach to transportation and this investment into advanced air mobility is yet another example of that,” said Andrew Cummins, Senior Director of Business Development at Archer. “We're proud to stand with Soracle ahead of this new era of flight-together, we are committed to bringing an innovative, sustainable and convenient transportation alternative to the country.”
“Through the operation of eVTOL aircraft, Soracle aims to enrich lives and society by creating more accessible air transportation services in Japan. We will provide safe and reliable services to passengers by making the most of the wealth of knowledge we have accumulated at Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation,” said Yukihiro Ota, Chief Executive Officer at Soracle. “Today's announcement is a first step towards making the future we envision a reality.”
As a first step towards commercializing AAM services in Japan, Archer and Soracle plan to conduct a public flight demonstration at the World Expo to build public support, demonstrate the future of aviation and accelerate stakeholder's engagement. The Expo is anticipated to be one of the most significant global events of the year, expecting around 28 million visitors from Japan, the US and other countries over its six-months duration. The Expo will provide numerous touchpoints for potential customers and passengers to experience the Parties' vision, aligning perfectly with the Expo's theme of "Future Society Showcase."
Archer's electric aircraft, Midnight, is designed to offer passengers a safe, sustainable and low-noise alternative to ground transportation: Travels at speeds up to 150 mph, turning hour-long ground commutes into minutes in the air. Designed for back-to-back flights of 20-50 miles with minimal charge time in between 100x quieter than a helicopter at cruising altitudes. Redundant systems across the aircraft designed for similar levels of safety as commercial airliners.Piloted, and designed to carry up to four passengers with carry-on luggage.
10 November 1988
The US Air Force publicly unveils the F-117 Nighthawk
Work on what would become the F-117 commenced in the 1970s as a means of countering increasingly sophisticated Soviet surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). During 1976, the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) issued Lockheed with a contract to produce the technology demonstrator, the test data from which validated the concept. On 1 November 1978, it was decided to proceed with the F-117 development program.
A total of five prototypes were produced; the first of which performed its maiden flight in 1981 at Groom Lake, Nevada. The first production F-117 was delivered in 1982, and its initial operating capability was achieved in October 1983. All aircraft were initially based at Tonopah Test Range Airport, Nevada.
Even in the years following its entry to service, the F-117 was a black project, its existence being denied by USAF officials. On 10 November 1988, the F-117 was publicly acknowledged for the first time. Its first combat mission was flown during the United States invasion of Panama in 1989. The last of 59 production F-117s were delivered on 3 July 1990.
The F-117 was widely publicized for its role in the Gulf War of 1991, having flown approximately 1,300 sorties and scored direct hits on what the US military described as 1,600 high-value targets in Iraq. F-117s also participated in the conflict in Yugoslavia, during which one was shot down by a surface-to-air missile (SAM) in 1999. It was also active during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. The USAF retired the F-117 in 2008,
Russia, Kaspiysk, Republic of Dagestan: On 6 November 2024, a modified Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat light sport aircraft crashed into Kaspiysk Naval Base, located in the Caspian Sea, a basing point for the Russian Caspian Sea Flotilla. The aircraft had been used as an ersatz unmanned attack aircraft. The aircraft missed the docked ships located at the naval base, and crashed into a nearby parade ground area.
The Aeroprakt A-22 is known to have a range of around 1,100 km (680 mi, 590 nmi). Other interceptions of Aeroprakt aircraft in Russian airspace revealed that these aircraft were likely being used for clandestine missions, operating from the NE of Ukraine, about 1,200km from the site of the attack. These aircraft are chosen due to their small size, short-field performance, and small radar cross section.
The drone attack was officially acknowledged by Sergey Alimovich Melikov, the Head of the Republic of Dagestan.
