The Evolution Of Stealth Technology

On January 17, 1991, at 2:30AM, the opening attack of Operation Desert Storm was set in motion. Tasked with crippling Iraq’s command and control, shipborne Tomahawk and B-52 launched AGM-86 cruise missiles were employed to infiltrate targets within Bagdad. Alongside this initial inrush of deep striking assets, was a new class of weapon. This attack was the first public debut of a stealth aircraft facing off against one of the largest air defense networks in the region. The iconic Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk,