F-117 Nighthawk kit - Elite Squadron-MasterBuilds

Before stealth became the foundation of modern air warfare.

Before precision strike could reach deep into defended airspace without warning.

There was an aircraft that changed the rules.

Developed in secrecy by Lockheed’s Skunk Works, the F-117 Nighthawk introduced a new way of thinking about air combat. Survival no longer depended on speed or maneuverability, but on avoiding detection entirely.

Flying under the cover of darkness, it could penetrate heavily defended airspace and deliver precise strikes against critical targets, often before the enemy even realized it was there.

Where the night belonged to the unseen.

Historical Context

The F-117 was the world’s first operational stealth aircraft, entering service in the 1980s.

It became widely known during the Gulf War, where it played a key role in the opening strikes.

Interesting facts:

• Its faceted shape is based on radar reflection theory, not aerodynamics

• It carries all weapons internally to preserve stealth

• It is subsonic, designed for precision rather than speed

• One of the first aircraft where reducing detectability was the primary design goal

Model Overview

• Scale: 1:48

• Length: ~430 mm

• Assembly: almost fully support-free snap-fit

• Less than 300g of filament

• Under 12 hours total print time

• Design focus: accurate faceted geometry, sharp edges, clean panel transitions

• Display: large, presence-focused model with strong visual impact

Stretch Goal 1

Openable bomb bay with retractable bomb racks

A functional internal system that reveals the core purpose of the aircraft.

Includes 2× GBU-27 Paveway III bombs, the most iconic loadout of the F-117.

Designed with print-in-place hinge solutions to keep assembly simple while adding a new level of realism.

Stretch Goal 2

Movable control surfaces

Integrated print-in-place hinges allow multiple control surfaces to move, adding interactivity and bringing the aircraft to life beyond a static display model.

Printing Philosophy

Designed with efficiency and reliability in mind, while balancing detail and complexity.

• Reduced material waste where possible

• Optimized print times without sacrificing detail

• Less than 300g of filament

• Under 12 hours total print time

• Focus on consistent, repeatable print results

The goal is to achieve strong visual impact with a practical and enjoyable printing experience.

MasterBuilds Quality

With each release, I continue refining both model quality and build experience.

The MasterBuilds series is proven by thousands of backers, and every project builds on that feedback:

• Improved tolerances

• Cleaner assembly

• Reliable snap-fit connections

• Better overall usability

Elite Squadron Legacy

from the close air support role of the A-10

to the unmatched dominance of the F-15E

to the Mach 3 reconnaissance legend of the SR-71

to the origins of aerial combat with the Spitfire

The F-117 Nighthawk marks the moment when air warfare entered the stealth era.

Not faster.

Not stronger.

Just… unseen.

Where the night belonged to the unseen.

Assembly video: