Dates

Event

Constructed as a Tacit Blue.
Built by Northrop Corporation

5 February 1982

First flight.
First flight in Area 51, Groom Lake, NV by Northrop test pilot Richard G. Thomas.

1982

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Air Force.
Tacit Blue carried a cover designation of YF-117D.

From 1982 to 1985

Transferred to 6513th Test Squadron, Area 51, Groom Lake, NV.

From 1982 to 1985

Tested advanced radar sensors and new ideas in stealth technology. Tacit Blue proved that a stealthy aircraft could have curved surfaces -- unlike the faceted surfaces of the F-117 Nighthawk -- which greatly influenced later aircraft like the B-2. Tacit Blues design also minimized the heat signature emitted from the engines, further masking its presence.Tacit Blue was aerodynamically unstable, but it had a digital fly-by-wire system to help control it.With its low, all-aspect radar signature, Tacit Blue demonstrated that such an aircraft could loiter over -- and behind -- the battlefield without fear of being discovered by enemy radar. Using advanced sensors, it could also continuously monitor enemy forces (even through clouds) and provide timely information through data links to a ground command center.Moreover, these sensors functioned without giving away the location of the aircraft.The Tacit Blue aircraft flew 135 times [accumulating 250 flight hours] before the program ended in 1985. The aircraft was declassified and placed on display at the museum in 1996. (NMUSAF).

From 1985 to 1996

Assigned to Area 51, Groom Lake, NV for storage.

1996

To National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright Field, Dayton, OH.
View the Location Dossier

30 April 1996

Unveiled to the public and put on display.

31 May 1996

Photographer: Glenn Chatfield

12 September 2002

Photographer: Glenn Chatfield

12 September 2002

Photographer: Glenn Chatfield