Lockheed Stealth: The Evolution of an American Arsenal

When it comes to stealth technologies, Lockheed Martin has unarguably outpaced its peers in design and deployment. This in-depth look at the development of Lockheed's stealth program explains how Skunkworks designers and engineers have minimized and even eliminated radar, thermal, acoustic, and radar signatures in the F-117 Nighthawk, F-22 Raptor, and X-35 Joint Strike Fighter contender. Illustrated with photos from Lockheed archives and private collections, the story begins with the origins of stealth in 1974 and continues through the current service and battle records of the F-117 and F-22, as well as the design and testing of X-35 prototypes vying with Boeing's X-32 for the Pentagon's Joint Strike Fighter contract. Respected aviation author Bill Sweetman also explains the technologies and design elements that allow an aircraft to evade detection, and looks ahead to the future of stealth technology in projects like the Comanche helicopter and Sea Shadow warship.