RARE F-117 Nighthawks at Duluth!!!

SURPRISE!
Aviation video @ Duluth International Airport (KDLH/DLH)! Filmed on 8/10/23, this features one of the rarest aircraft I've filmed to date: the not-so-retired F-117 Nighthawk! They are currently temporarily based at Duluth with the 148th Fighter Wing as they participate in the Northern Lightning exercise as well as perform local sorties with the local "Bulldogs". A total of 3 F-117s were sent, and up to 2 aircraft go up during the week for the exercise.
These F-117 Nighthawk are currently based at the Tonopah Test Range Airport. Believed to be part of a unit known as the “Dark Knights”, they have been recently seen taking part in various exercises throughout the states and Alaska as adversaries as well as fulfilling other interesting roles.
Northern Lightning is an annual joint total force exercise hosted by the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, providing tailored, cost-effective, tactical level and high-end combat training. The exercise is focused on fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft integration in complex threat environments.
I hope you like this video! Don't forget to comment, rate & subscribe!
_________________________
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: / bluerockerpr
Instagram: / bluerockerpr
_________________________
EQUIPMENT
Camera: Panasonic HC-X1500
Microphone: H&A Compact Shotgun Condenser Microphone
_________________________
If you are interested in any usage of my videos, please contact me at the address given in my channel's contact details.

[@CA-oi6ys]

Such a legendary aircraft, it still amazes me every time I see one, it looks like a spaceship!

[@JBBost]

Except spaceships don't need aerodynamics

[@ConjointVR]

if I Did not know of the NightHawk, and you told me Darth Vader Flew one of these, I'd believe it.@@JBBost

[@saintuk70]

@@JBBost and neither did the F-117 ;)

[@MavHunter20XX]

was gonna say, what aerodynamics @@saintuk70

[@oiesen2112]

Looks like a flying tent😐

[@kinch613]

Man that brings back memories. Love that theyre sporting the TR tailcodeand the Nighthawk . My days with the jet at TTR were some of my most cherished! And knowing that I worked on both of those 34 years ago is crazy. Keep em flying boys!

[@wtfmimshag]

Incredible. I was a little kid simulating these in microprose's game in 1991. Now an old man and they still rip. What a legacy.

[@paulmca8514]

Offically the F-117 fleet retired in 2009, but As of 2016, the retired fleet comprised over 50 airframes, with some of the aircraft being flown periodically. In March 2019, it was reported that four F-117s had been secretly deployed to the Middle East in 2016 and that one had to make an emergency landing at Ali Al Salem (OKAS), Kuwait 64 (5 YF-117As, 59 F-117As) were built I remember seeing these on a visit outside of Nellis AFB in Nevada, they are every it as weird looking as they appear in photos or video, if that makes sense. I think it was 2002, sadly I didn`t have a digital camera then, but I got some great shots on 35mm film, they also sound odd, great looking machine.

[@thezfunk]

I thought one of the defense bills from Congress required so many to be destroyed every year. I am not sure how they are defying that. Well, the Pentagon is supposed to pass an audit every year and we see how well that is enforced.

[@paulmca8514]

@@thezfunk I don`t think they destroy them as such, but they are decomissioned , or mothballed if you prefer. Doubtless if look on Wiki something you will find more info. I doubt there is more than 10 airworthy at anytime, and they would need to keep flightcrew current on them as well.

[@EliTheCryptoAndAiGuy]

Any clue why these ones are being flown? Does USAF just maintain a couple of these for fun or do you think these ones are also being deployed as you said in the Middle East?

[@paulmca8514]

@@EliTheCryptoAndAiGuy Most of the aircraft have been moutballed/ put in storage, the story about a small number being sent to middle east was in a airforce magazine I subscribe to, I suspect they are based Saudi Arabia. The F-117 is a specialised aircraft, so the USAF would be keen to keep a pool of pilots qualified to operate them, should the need arise. It`s fairly standard in aviation you need to fly certain aircraft for a number of hours to keep your type rating on a particular aircraft, otherwise the skill set required could be compromised. It`s pretty certain that it is what we are seeing here, training flights, to keep aircrew, and groundcrew up to speed with operating the type. I hope this helps.

[@dukeford]

Probably down to around 40 airframes at this point. Several have been put on static display since 2016, and a couple have been scrapped.

[@randygravel2057]

Just love the hidden intake and especially the hidden exhaust

[@daniellee5147]

God I love how these planes look

[@johnzillah]

I seen one of these in the 80's taking off at the Myrtle Beach SC airport. I had the T-tops out cruising in my 86 Mustang GT. When I seen this thing come off the runway I about ran off the road. It is such a cool plane!

[@danburkland]

One of my all time favorite aircraft!

[@barryrodgers3039]

Makes me happy to still see these flying. Wish they had kept a few Tomcats airworthy as well.

[@OGdoorstop]

Any of the ones you see in museums have their parts stored away and can be made airworthy in case of the sudden need for more aircraft.

[@michiganmike7167]

@@OGdoorstopI’ve heard , and I don’t know if this is true or not , all the museum f-14s had some kind of important hardware taken out , and instead of keeping that hardware, the government destroyed it all to keep it out of the Iranians hands

[@slickstrings]

@@OGdoorstop Incorrect, f14's in museums had all their gear stripped out and scrapped to stop black market supplies to iranian f14's. Even our australian f111's were required to be disposed of thoroughly to prevent the Tf30 parts making their way there. The problem with this idea of using old, retired aircraft in emergencies is there is far more than just spare parts required to keep them flying. All these modern fighters need special maintenance facilities and knowledge. Thats one of the reasons they are so expensive. The f111 for example needed cold proof testing facilities for the wings to identify fatigue cracks. The f14 would need its own diagnostic equipment etc that probably dont exist anymore, the training programs for maintenance workers doesnt exist anymore... when the aircraft type is retired it all gets taken out and the space is used for new types. You would not believe how much stuff there is for each jet type. Cabinets full of manuals, special jigs and engine stands, portable start carts which i doubt the navy use anymore since the hornet and f35 have apu's... i dont think the f14s missiles even exist anymore. the f14 has sparrows and old aim 9ms. the navy uses AMRAAM and aim-9x which the tomcats were never upgraded to use. There is no chance an f14 will fly again.

[@AtheistOrphan]

The Iranian Air Force still has quite a few operational Tomcats. Great aircraft.

[@anotherHelldiver]

@@AtheistOrphan "Quite a few" I'd say maybe 20. Which is still more than the entire Russian Su-57 Fleet.

[@mt5144]

These F-117's are an amazing Aircraft, always remember them coming to the UK Airshows at RIAT England the last time was in 2007 When a Pair arrived for the weekends show, Love to see them again in action especially with the TR Tail Codes.

[@redtopodom5790]

Such an amazing video. The super close taxi shots are awesome 🔥🔥

[@BlueRockerPR]

Thank you very much, was hoping I could get those close-ups.

[@jesphillips2193]

@@BlueRockerPR FBI, OPEN UP! lol

[@dougsydnes8047]

Such a cool sight to see. I'm amazed they can even fly given their shape just AMAZING!

[@fgm1197]

It's amazing that such a geometric nightmare even flies.

[@globalwillh]

Wow Nice!! Speaks to the F117's longevity. To get a quick peak behind the curtain would be something out of this world. The NGAD is likely flying already. American innovation and airpower are unmatched.

[@d3ath8ybac0n4]

The plane that shocked the world in the Gulf War. I remember as a kid watching CNN during the initial air strikes in disbelief that this plane was real. At that time our airbase had F4's and F-15's, and on rare occasions an SR-71 would land.

[@egooidios5061]

Those who have seen a flying SR-71 up close, deserve special honor!!

[@McRocket]

Great job of filming, imho. Thanlk you. ☮

[@spencerthu2956]

Idc I love this design. For me it looks like a space fighter. From the side back and bottom they look so cool

[@ChrisVanMiddelkoop]

I think it is so cool seeing these old planes fly again

[@SEO122]

They never stopped flying. Their retirement was a façade.

[@g2145cal]

this video made my day...i was in the Air Force as a jet engine mechanic and often i would volunteer to fill in for a crew chief on our KC-10's. one of my TDY's was taking 3 of these from Nellis to Andrews in june of 1991 for the National Victory Celebration Parade flyover. I have pics of refueling these several times as we went...very awesome

[@craiglizt8074]

Very cool. I'd see these flying near Edwards AFB when I was growing up. So cool to see them flying again post "retirement."

[@nathanfisher1826]

These babies are upgraded

[@bountyhunter_5150]

Upgraded?

[@BigDave_Wannabe]

Thank you for sharing the video.

[@BlueRockerPR]

Thank you for watching!

[@toadelevator]

What a fine video! I especially like the break for landing.

[@billirvin9057]

I was in the Senior Trend program from Mar 86 until I retired in Nov 1989. Thanks for bringing back an old memory. When I retired, I was presented with a flag that Col Tolin took on the first daylight flight.

[@erik198]

Such a rad plane. And what a well done catch of them doing their thing 🙌

[@BlueRockerPR]

Thank you very much!

[@shelleibach20]

Great catch...Dont see many of them on this site...tks much

[@barrycoomer8137]

Outstanding ! 👏👏👏

[@andreasgroeller1083]

Awesome. ❤

[@bobzuidema3560]

Amazing aircraft, it looks like it's not supposed to fly but it does anyway.

[@deniscortes9200]

WHAT A WARBIRD!, JUST LOVE IT.

[@magicman08]

Well done!

[@paulhathaway578]

So cool

[@DJAYPAZ]

The not so retired F117 maybe has a new role.

[@ItsMeMikey998]

Heard it’s in testing to be put back into service use

[@atreyuprincipalh4043]

Wow what superb video

[@drmarkintexas-400]

Thank you to Lt. Col. Ken Dyson for being one of the test pilots for the Have Blue or this plane would not have been possible. 🙏⭐🎖️🎖️🎖️

[@ethantaylor5001]

Saw one at Patrick Henry/Williamsburg-Newport News airport back around 2007, strange that they would be there with Langley AFB just a few miles away. I also saw some Blue Angels at Richmond.

[@jpatt1000]

I do hope the air force will do one last round of air show visits with the Nighthawk before it's put to be for good. Would love to see it at EAA one last time. (I did go to western Wisconsin in the hopes of catching one in the air in the Volk MOA, but no joy.)

[@footix72]

Incredible !

[@BlueRockerPR]

Thanks for watching!

[@Bsquaredplus2]

SR-71, BONE, F-117, three of the most ba planes ever

[@jonbolen7169]

beautiful

[@Epicaviation47]

Epic video broo

[@BlueRockerPR]

Thanks broo🔥

[@WorksOnMyComputer]

Fantastic footage.

[@BlueRockerPR]

Thank you very much!

[@atthefence111]

Awesome video dude!! Happy you were able to catch these guys up there!!

[@BlueRockerPR]

Thanks dude! Really glad I was able to get some good shots of them.

[@sirswerve2493]

Its funny when you look back and think I use to think these where like clear and couldn't see them. My mom had us thinking that the stealth tech worked like that. That's my mom.

[@Skywatchers]

That’s probably the coolest looking retired plane to date!!!! One that we would know about anyway. lol

[@chrisgmelch1479]

Wow! Have Blue...

[@SirScottland]

Awesome video! My buddy is a controller there and you totally got him talking to them!! Heck yeah!

[@BlueRockerPR]

Thank you very much! Glad your buddy got to hear himself talk to them, those are bragging rights right there!

[@SlipFitGarage]

This video is 4 months old at the time of this comment.... so I am sure the 117's are no longer stationed in Duluth...... I wish I would've seen this video sooner. I could have easily been in Duluth during the time they were there. That would be AWESOME to see a 117 in person, and actually flying in 2023. Not bad for an aircraft that's been "retired" for 15+ years. lolol. Great video.... and it's in 4K60, too! Thanks.

[@bigboots6114]

when i was in the military i got to see one on the flight line and it was amazing to think it could fly

[@Cinemashow78]

I knew it! I saw a group of 2 F-117s fly overhead in Bigfork Minnesota. I’m guessing that they were coming from Duluth heading to an AFB in North Dakota. So cool !! Woulda been summer 2023

[@columnedfox5508]

some people may have thought the Nighthawk was retired in 2008, but as of 2010 more F-117 spotting's became more frequent, so they was placed on a status where they could be re-called back into service when needed...

[@user-wb9bw1zx7z]

The reason the F-117s have been more active is because they are low-observable and this has training value for F-22 and other pilots. The F-117, however, is not comparable, in terms of signature, to late-model Russian and Chinese stealth fighters, which are much more advanced than the 1979 F-117. The actual motive for this activity, which is concentrated at Tonopah, is to aid in the testing of the new helical EM radars which can cut through radar absorbent material and is largely agnostic to the angular facets of the F-117. It is not, as many have speculated, related to training pilots to get used to seeing low-observable aircraft, but is rather for testing the helical EM radars which are borderline experimental. For those who are uninitiated, helical EM is capable of penetrating materials that would ordinarily immediately reflect EM. In the case of a piece of metal at a 45-degree angle, rather than bouncing at that angle, the beam's angular momentum is simply inverted (or at least part of its energy is) so that a RADAR return can still be generated. This is possible because of the magnetic self-reinforcement of photons in the helical EM, which means that solids, liquids, and atmosphere have less ability to scatter or redirect this form of electromagnetism. For visible light LASERs, this means an unprecedented ability to deliver focused energy to incoming missiles, but for RADAR band, it means the ability to get detectable returns from aircraft such as F-117. The technology doesn't work so well against platforms like F-22 which featuring overlapping variable-spacing copper meshes, but should work well against platforms like F-35 which use high-temperature low-density ionized plasmas in the skin. F-35 would be lit up like a Christmas tree by the helical EM RADARs.

[@danielh1708]

Some people would be correct. They remain fully retired from the combat component into the status the Air Force placed them in at the time. Flyable storage. Its no surprise they're using them for training/test still.

[@I_Like_Turtle390]

Testing upgrades for future fighters

[@dhomasdjeffersson]

Absolutely fantastic video, well done!

[@BlueRockerPR]

Thank you very much!

[@jouhannaudjeanfrancois891]

Fly high Duluth!

[@bigtex4790]

Still one of the coolest planes ever built!

[@paulbennett8516]

Another excellent video a superb aircraft great catch👍🏻👍🏻

[@BlueRockerPR]

Many thanks!!

[@ams1500]

These guys have been doing almost daily flyovers/landing approaches over my house. Much louder than the usual F-16s.

[@shawnomack45]

F117s are not louder than f16s. They don't have a afterburner. Have seen them multiple times at airshows.

[@ColonelJohnmatrix1000]

Not true. Spend a lot time involved with both.

[@jacob1423]

f16 is way louder

[@ams1500]

to @@shawnomack45 and the rest of you - on those days in the summer, in the same tandem formation at landing approach speeds, the F-117s were louder than the usual MN ANG F-16s

[@Chris11249]

Makes sense on them being very loud, they're pushing out a lot of thrust through narrow flat exhausts. But an F-16 in afterburner is louder, but without the F-117 is louder.

[@bwest6275]

‘Murica F’ YEaahhh!!!! 🇺🇸

[@NovusDundus]

I'll never unsee them looking like tiny birds with their tails up mid glide

[@aliensporebomb]

Absolutely fantastic video!

[@BlueRockerPR]

Thank you very much!

[@phillipdavis3316]

Wobbly Gobblins!

[@andrewsewraviation3991]

Another outstanding video and job! Certainly hoping as always that everything is well and that you are enjoying your passions! As the days and the months progress, I shall share that your impressively amazing content unfailingly entertains, pleases and inspires your audience despite of any circumstances! And your presence and work has inspired me to continue with my interests and contents, thank you very much for it all! I hope your content deserves much support, praise, and love from your fans, as it shall remain like this and with the patience, determination, optimism and diligence for one to have, I really assure things will become even better as to your likings! Keep your ambitions rolling and shining for the strongest of possibilities for your upcoming milestones! 👍🙂

[@BlueRockerPR]

Thank you very much, Andrew!

[@allenmoses110]

The cyber truck airplane, before there ever was a cyber truck!

[@misterx8592]

The “Wobbly Goblin” is still flying!

[@Dutchie66]

Are they based at DLH? Would love to see them. Last time was in 1993 in Holland.

[@32tfs]

Wow great catches there and an excellent video 👍

[@BlueRockerPR]

Thank you very much!

[@Manny32V]

awesome video. what is the heat thats coming off right behind the cockpit? apu?

[@BlueRockerPR]

Quite possibly the APU. Thanks for watching!

[@calypso2niner]

Not so retired, indeed. Lookin' good to me.

[@JK-td4hi]

When the Soviets learned of its existence, it was like rubbing salt in an open wound for them. Not only had the USSR just collapsed, but they learned they never stood a chance again the US had an actual war broken out. This stealth fighter proved the US was decades ahead of them.

[@vaughnbluejr5960]

Wasn't this the plane that was used in Operation Desert Storm (Persian Gulf War) in 1991?

[@boondockduane]

The Tonopah Twins. We had them training with our 144th Fighter Wing two years back. They have been training all over. Let’s just say “Chinese Cruise Missiles” F-117 still a stealthy little beast. What’s funny is it looks small but is larger than a F-15 Fresno footage from two years ago kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmnJZaVtgZtsZ9Esi=olp4R0BVkCMHM9Wl

[@johnblizard]

Great video. Its been a long time. As an F-117A maintainer from 1982 until 1988, i love these videos.

[@urdnal]

I like that their angular shape is an artifact of the limited computing power calculating their radar cross section when they were designed. Like early 3D games/sims, low-poly physically manifested. Ed. This may be wrong, I can't remember where I read it. I don't like spreading misinformation, but I'll leave it up because it's an interesting concept if true.

[@Anubis78250]

Coatings were not as advanced in the early days, their stealth is primarily based on their geometry. With new coatings these are actually more stealthy than the modern iterations. It's actually why you see them still around here and there today despite having severely limited capabilities.

[@Aeronaut1975]

Essentially, yes, you are absolutely correct. That IS the reason why.

[@PurpleDreki]

Pure speculation by you. You play too many video games.

[@waterlife.1905]

Speculation at its best though. Makes so much sense. Interesting. Might be on to something.

[@urdnal]

​@@PurpleDreki I swear I read this somewhere legitimate, I just can't remember where.

[@NoteSmoking]

This looks like a plane watchers dream video.

[@BlueRockerPR]

It sure was for me, thanks for watching!

[@bagoistvan3182]

Hi. Is this video recently taken ? I was under the impression that the 117 is retired to the desert storage together with the BlackBird.....🤔🤔🤔

[@DigitalNomadOnFIRE]

Still look more futuristic than anything fighting today

[@Sp1n3c]

What better way to make something secret than reveal it, operate , decommission it and excelerate the development

[@bigboots6114]

i would bet they have been upgraded to the new tech to test it out for future stealth

[@btaylo24]

Wow! Good catch!

[@BlueRockerPR]

Thanks for watching!

[@haunter_1845]

I would jump out of my seat if I saw an F-117 out the window at a commercial airport. You can see that one of these F-117s have Luneburg lenses attached over the wings allowing it to be visible on radar. I'm not sure why the other one doesn't have them equipped.

[@lukaspuente5765]

You going to William tell in Savannah sept-11-15 ?

[@BlueRockerPR]

I'm hoping so!

[@BrokenWrenches]

that’s awesome. really cool seeing those retired aircraft still doing the thing. hopefully the usaf will put them on the airshow circuit before real retirement.

[@TrippyNoodles]

Thanks. Great footage 😎

[@BlueRockerPR]

Thanks for watching!

[@KK-gr9df]

I was once walking into an afternoon college class at California State University, Fullerton when I heard that same engine sound. I turned and looked up to see a F-117 come out of the clouds, turn, and go back. I was like, “what the?!?!” No one else saw but me because they were walking into school with their backs to the plane. It must have been part of an air show. Nevertheless, hearing the engine noise while flying gave me goosebumps.

[@VictoriaWargaming]

I thought they had been retired? being brought out again?

[@AlexerclexerAlexer-oh6er]

Like F- 117

[@bradcasstevens5626]

Don’t understand why they retired that plane. It’s an amazing piece of equipment!!

[@TASTEGROUND]

youre so lucky

[@tombeck2792]

It sounds like a DC-9

[@gregertman6497]

The TR tail designation . Interesting

[@BloodhoundVX30]

I believe that tailcode is for Tonopah Test Range (TTR).

[@lacosanostra20]

Duluth Minnesota?

[@JustReed]

I love my country America!

[@Pico_444]

Cybertruck of the sky

[@bagoistvan3182]

8:30...👍🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺😁😁😁

[@iceman_fox1]

Man I would love to use this footage somehow on my channel...

[@daisaigaming6836]

Imagine this plane with current tech in composite and radar reduction tech.

[@failtolawl]

I believe it still has a lower radar signature than F-22s and F-35s. The big issue being maneuverability, fuel/ammo capacity.

[@project182r3]

I thought these were decommissioned now?

[@kevinsavard5998]

They are weird looking for sure. They are "retired" however other places I have seen they used them for testing new radars and other flight components. However they are sometimes doing some missions we won't here about I'm sure. They also fly them to keep them from degrading.

[@biscuit4836]

Where do you go to get these videos? I’ve been trying to find a good place to watch but I’ve just been settling with watching from by the cirrus buildings

[@timw483]

Looks like they completely removed the tail numbers. Pity, I wonder if one of them is my old jet. DAMN I miss working on those things!

[@scotsmanofnewengland7713]

Where is this Duluth ?

[@HRPlanespotter]

Tremendo mano !!!!

[@BlueRockerPR]

Gracias brooqui