Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk s/n 86-0838 Over Iraq, Titanium Skin Relic Display

F-117A Nighthawk (serial number 86-0838) of the 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS/AMU) Titanium Heatshield Skin Relic Display by Ron Cole. Titanium piece from this specific aircraft, 86-0838 with combat history.  Authentic piece of Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk 'stealth fighter' serial number 86-0838, combined with Ron Cole's original painting of this aircraft in action, in an 11x17-inch wall-hanging display. Signed and numbered - very limited quantities!   The Nighthawk was the world's first operational 'stealth' aircraft and was used in combat by the United States Air Force between 1989 and 2006. Only 59 were built.  This particular F-117A was nicknamed 'Magic Hammer' and first flew on March 17th,1989. Half of the USAF's F-117A fleet were deployed during Operation Desert Storm, and 'Magic Hammer' flew 36 combat missions with the 416th TFS, including the first night of the air war over Iraq. This aircraft was among the second group of F-117As to be demilitarized in 2007. After removal of its hazardous Radar Absorbing Material (RAM), it was scrapped. A few of its components did survive, including these titanium heatshield panels from the rear/underside of 'Magic Hammer'. Titanium was used sparingly in the F-117A, but it was used in this area of the airframe to help mask its heat signature created by its engines.  These pieces of titanium have been cut from one of these larger panels (below). They are positively identified thanks to their ample part numbers, inspection stamps, dates, and aircraft serial numbers revealing they came from 'Magic Hammer', serial number 86-0838.  ABOVE: Rare Advanced Development Programs (ADP) stamp - otherwise known as Skunk Works - appears next to part numbers on both titanium panels! Ron Cole has depicted 'Magic Hammer' flying low over Baghdad, Iraq with rockets and antiaircraft fire in the sky, behind. This artwork measures 11x17-inches, and the matte black frame measures 13x19-inches (total dimensions). Each display signed & numbered by the artist - limited to 75. Shipped ready-to-hang.