Permanent Exhibit

F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter

The F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter revolutionized warfare, showcasing innovation and successful U.S. Air Force and industry collaboration.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

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Included with Museum admission

The F117 ribbon cutting ceremony at Reagan Library

A Symbol of President Reagan's Commitment

Made possible by loan from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the F-117 placed on display serves as a visible reminder of President Reagan's commitment to the rebuilding of the U.S. military through his “Peace through Strength” program. The F-117 Nighthawk, Tail #803, nicknamed “Unexpected Guest,” flew more combat sorties (78) than all other F-117s combined. The aircraft entered service in May 1984, during President Reagan’s administration.

A Unique Public Exhibition

The Reagan Library is now one of two places in the nation where the general public can visit an F-117 Stealth Fighter on permanent display. We are deeply grateful to Lockheed Martin for their outstanding assistance in restoring the aircraft for such a meaningful display and to the U.S. Air Force for making it possible for the Reagan Library to exhibit the plane for millions of visitors to enjoy for years to come.

F-117 Nighthawk, the world’s first operational stealth aircraft

The Pioneering F-117 Nighthawk

The F-117 Nighthawk was the world’s first operational stealth aircraft. Between 1981 and 2008, Lockheed Martin produced 59 operational F-117s and five developmental prototypes, but the aircraft weren’t publicly acknowledged until 1988. Known as “stealth fighters,” the F-117’s angular shape was designed to reflect radar waves and was bolstered by the use of a radar-absorbing material. Because the aircraft was only expected to operate at night, it was painted black to make it more difficult to discern against the night sky.

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Public Display and Legacy

The F-117 Nighthawk went on public display at the Reagan Library beginning December 7, 2019, at an official ribbon-cutting ceremony during the Reagan Foundation and Institute’s annual Reagan National Defense Forum. The jet is located outdoors near the Library’s F-14 aircraft, situated on the west side of the Library’s property and clearly visible from inside the Library’s famous auditorium. Watch the behind the scenes video on the construction of the F-117 Nighthawk.

A Privileged Perspective

“I was privileged to fly the airplane when the program was classified,” said Lt Col Scott Stimpert, USAF (ret), a pilot for the F-117 tail number 803 going on display at the Reagan Library. “It was an exciting time, and a vitally important capability, but not something you could share with friends or family. I’m glad the airplane can come out of the dark to take its rightful place in the light, somewhere it can be seen and appreciated by the people it helped to protect.”

A Legacy of Innovation

“The F-117 was developed in response to an urgent national need,” said Jeff Babione, vice president and general manager of the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®. “It has paved the way for today’s stealth technology and reminds us to continue redefining what’s possible. It’s been a privilege for our team to collaborate with the USAF and the Reagan Foundation on this effort, and we are excited to see it on proud display at its new home.”