F-117a
     The F-117A, probably known as the hero of the gulf war was developed in the early 70s. In 1978, Burbank, California Lockheed advanced development Project nicknamed ‘Skunk Works’ was to turn ‘Have Blue’ (demonstrator) into an operational precision strike aircraft. Using the U-2 and Sr-71 they were able to get the first working Stealth airplane named “F-117A” airborne in only two and a half years. As the F-117A flew through radar detection, its unique shape and coated surface, known as radar absorbent material (RAM) helped it fly through countries without any detection. For 8 years it flew through our skies with no one knowing of it’s existence until 1988 when the USAF declassified it. With the declassification came the media and press urging for more information on the F-117A. When the USAF finally showed the world the F-117A and its capabilities there was nothing but amazement.
During the Gulf war the F-117A was one of the first airplanes that attacked the Iraqis. Within a couple minutes the F-117A took out vital targets in Baghdad, and vital air defenses that allowed conventional aircraft to strike Iraq. Throughout the whole time not one F-117A was shot down or even fired upon. The F-117A took out key communications centers, research, development production, storage facilities, for nuclear and chemical warfare, and other Iraqi defenses systems. Air force commanders reported that the F-117A flew only 3% of the mission and destroyed over 43% of the total mission.
     However, because the F-177A does not carry chaff, Flares, dispensers, or jammers. It does not have the capabilities to defend itself. In 1991, Lockheed extended the life of the F-117A by upgrading it. Lockheed replaced the engines of the F-177A and other modifications including stealth capabilities, weather sensors, global navigation, and an increase in flight distance from 570 to 720 nautical miles. With no reported losses of the F-177A during the Gulf War stealth supporters are arguing for the production of the B-2 Stealth Bomber. Which is going to be even better than the F-117A.

B-2 Stealth Bomber
     The B-2 Stealth bomber was probably one of the latest creations of the U.S. government in the 90s and is still one of the top aircraft in military history today. The B-2 stealth bomber relies on Global Positioning System (GPS), to guide its missiles. GPS is a system where the crews take snapshots of the targeted area. The first picture shows the crew the aim point and the second provide data to the distance at which its target is located. The computer then compares the two photos and makes any adjustment that needs to be done in order to release its missiles and score direct hits on its targets. Once it releases the missles it continues to receive information from the satellites to guide it to its target. Last of all, the GPS can track in any weather.
     Many people wonder how the B-2 keeps stable without any wings or tail of a Conventional aircraft. The B-2, it seems, fly by wires. These wires are connected to a computer that makes all the adjustments that needs to be done in order for the B-2 to fly stably. The rudder of the B-2 rotates up to takeoff because this creates lift in the air. However, to descend it would have to go down. The rudder of the B-2 also opens and close like a book. Unlike any other aircraft the B-2 Stealth Bomber has a combination of an aileron (to turn the plane) and an elevator (to point the nose up or down) into one device called elevon. The B-2 has three sets of two elevons that are located at the trailing edge, and it also has a Glas (gust load alleviation system) to keep the aircraft stable during turbulence.
     The B-2 Stealth bomber has no curved surface which allows it to have no 90-degree angles. Since the B-2 has no 90-degree angles the plane can fly around easily without radar detection. The B-2 is covered with special paint creating a sleek skin on the B-2. This helps it to scatter radar signals when they bounce off of the B-2. The B-2 is built from graphite (Graphite helps absorb and trap radar signal when flying in the air) not only does it help the B-2, but it also uses others stealth technology that would even further scatter radar signals.
The B-2 has watertight vassal that is designed not to leak electromagnetic signals. The B-2 uses Synthetic Aperture Radar, which sends out smaller signals to enemy radar. The crew of the B-2 is required to keep transponders turned off and limit the use of radio transmissions. Because of the B-2's light carbon-base structure, it is able to run on lower and quieter power setting. The exhaust and compressor are also muffled out when flying.
     The B-2's nickname is “hyphen” because of its slender body. This makes it difficult for other planes or people to see if its coming towards you or going away. Another advantage that the B-2 has is its Black painted surface allowing it to disappear into the night.
Today, however, one of the greatest threats to modern aircraft is a heat-seeking missile. But unlike any other aircraft the engine of the B-2 is buried deep inside of its body, and it also has special vents that cool off the jet exhaust before it streams outside. The vents are located on top of the aircraft, allowing it not to be discovered by lower-flying aircraft using infrared tracking devices.