More often than not, real life serves as the inspiration for many great works of fiction. Sometimes, however, a work of fiction allows people to dream bigger and turn a dream into reality. The existence of the F-117 Nighthawk with its "Star Trek"-inspired cloaking device is proof of this.
"If you can imagine it, you can create it," writer William Arthur Ward said, and science made sure to deliver on Gene Roddenberry's imagined Klingon cloaking device as best as it could.
"It has the front lens from an electro-optically guided glide bomb on the nose with a red light that had a soft pulsing glow showing through a ground glass lens. It had numerous blade antennas from the UHF and VHF frequency spectrum and several faux blowout ports similar to those used as exhaust ports for gas grain generators on early generation nuclear weapons," Retired Air Force Col. Doug Robinson described the device.
Of course, all this happened during the Cold War and we know that stealth technology has yet to be perfected until now. To put it simply, the actual Klingon cloaking device was an elaborate ruse but what made it effective and believable was how the select few who were part of the program handled it.
"I tell people now that it was only the shape that made that aircraft different, it had all the usual systems, wires and coax," Avionics Technician Brad Smith shared. Smith served in the operations when it was at its most secretive.
The most effective cloaking device under the F-117 Nighthawk operations was the willpower of its operatives to keep any and everything they do a secret. This includes keeping operations classified from top government officials - only those who must absolutely know will be given information.
"We worked long hours, away from our family for a week at a time," Smith recounted. "Families had no idea where we were, but accepted not knowing as part of their spouse's job. When we came home, families knew not to ask what we did all week."
The F-117 Nighthawk only flew at night and all pilots who were involved in the missions practically led a "vampiric life" since they were constantly on night shift. However, despite the stress of the working hours and the utmost secrecy involved in all the operations involving the stealth program, Smith was proud for being able to contribute.
The F-117 Nighthawk was retired in 2008 in Type 1000 storage but people still report seeing it in the sky. There is, however, no need to worry about peacekeeping conditions in the United States because Type 1000 storage means an aircraft should still be kept in top shape in case it is needed for active operations. There's no conflict, just the usual maintenance - or is there?
Photo: Jamie Lantzy | Flickr
