The U.S. Air Force is ordering new explosive components for the F-117 Nighthawk’s emergency tailhook, nearly two decades after the stealth aircraft was officially retired in 2008. The contracting notice, reported by The War Zone, highlights that some F-117 systems still need to remain operational.
The parts are pyrotechnic charges used to deploy the aircraft’s emergency tailhook. Since such explosive components have a limited service life, they must be replaced even though the F-117 is no longer an active combat aircraft.
Despite its official retirement, a small number of F-117s have continued flying from the Tonopah Test Range in Nevada. The aircraft are used for testing, training and other specialized missions, including helping evaluate radar systems and tactics against stealth aircraft.
The Air Force plans to keep the remaining F-117s flying through at least 2034. First flown in 1981, the legendary Nighthawk could therefore remain active for more than 50 years—making its post-retirement career almost as remarkable as its operational history.