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Pioneers of Stealth! F-117, F-22, F-35 & B-2 Spirit – US Unveils Memorial To Honor Men Behind The Machine

A memorial was recently unveiled at the National Museum of the United States Air Force Memorial Park in Ohio, paying tribute to those who developed the US Air Force’s pioneering stealth aircraft.  

Aptly named the ‘Pioneers of Stealth’ memorial, it features four towering obelisks, symbolizing key programs that played a pivotal role in the genesis of stealth technology, tracing its origins back to the 1970s. 

Among the notable aircraft commemorated are Lockheed’s Have Blue, which laid the foundation for the renowned F-117A Nighthawk, and Northrop Grumman’s Tacit Blue ‘Whale,’ instrumental in creating the B-2 Spirit. 

The early efforts invested in these programs, along with other covert initiatives that extend even further into history, resulted in a monumental transformation of aerial warfare. The four programs showcased in this memorial were once shrouded in utmost secrecy, far beyond public knowledge. 

A special two-day event took place from July 16 to July 17 to reveal the memorial to the public.

Notably, July 17 held a double significance as it commemorated the 34th anniversary of the maiden flight of the renowned B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and the official unveiling of the memorial.




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Credit: Pioneers Of Stealth

The conceptualization and design of this memorial were spearheaded by “The Pioneers of Stealth,” a group comprising more than 200 individuals hailing from the US government and defense industry. 

With their extensive involvement in the development of stealth technology since the latter part of the twentieth century, they have played an important role in shaping the landscape of modern warfare.

The fact that the information about these stealth aircraft programs is now exhibited in a public space reflects the remarkable progress and recognition bestowed upon the innovators who pioneered these groundbreaking advancements. 

The memorial measures 30 ft by 30 ft with a height restriction of 10 ft as per National Museum of the USAF (NMUSAF) requirements. It features a triangular dedication obelisk at the front and four granite obelisks at the rear, arranged chronologically (Have Blue, F-117A, Tacit Blue, and B-2) to symbolize the advancement of stealth technology.

The black granite alludes to the color associated with stealth aircraft and their classified origins. 

The memorial also showcases polished stainless steel models of the four aircraft, mounted on the rear obelisks via pylons resembling those used in radar cross-section testing. 

The models are not to scale but serve as representative symbols. The Tacit Blue model is 30 inches long with a 22-inch wingspan, the B-2 is 22 inches long with a 41-inch wingspan, the Have Blue is 31 inches long with a 16-inch wingspan, and the F-117A is 37 inches long with a 24-inch wingspan. 

Evolution Of Stealth Technology 

Stealth technology has revolutionized aircraft design, enabling them to penetrate enemy airspace undetected and evade potential threats by significantly reducing their radar cross section and often their infrared signature. 

This technological advancement allows aircraft to operate covertly and execute strategic missions with minimal risk of detection or interception. 

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