A stealth fighter just landed at the Smithsonian
In early October 2026, a U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy touched down at Dulles Airport carrying extraordinary cargo: the Smithsonian’s first F-117 Nighthawk. The jet — serial 85-0818, nicknamed “The Overachiever” — is now being reassembled piece by piece in the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, where visitors can watch the work through the observation glass. It goes on public display in late October 2026.
Why this F-117 matters
The F-117A Nighthawk was the world’s first operational stealth combat aircraft — first flown in 1986, retired in 2007. Its angular, faceted shape looks like science fiction, but it was deadly serious engineering: the first aircraft designed from the ground up to be nearly invisible to radar.
And 85-0818 isn’t just any Nighthawk. “The Overachiever” is the only F-117 ever to fly combat in all four of the type’s acknowledged campaigns: Operation Just Cause in Panama (1989), Operation Desert Storm (1991), Operation Allied Force in Yugoslavia (1999), and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003). The National Air and Space Museum has never had an F-117 before — this is the 16th of the 64 built to be gifted for public display.
Watch the reassembly right now
You don’t have to wait for the debut. The jet arrived partially dismantled and is being put back together inside the restoration hangar — and the hangar’s observation glass means visitors can watch the technicians at work today. It’s a rare chance to see a stealth fighter with its panels open.
The jet was announced on September 14, 2026, at the AFA Air, Space & Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, then prepared for display by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works and flown east by the Air Force Reserve’s 512th Airlift Wing.
When it goes on display
The public debut is set for late October 2026 — the museum hasn’t announced an exact date yet. When it does, the Nighthawk will take its place in the main hangar alongside the SR-71 Blackbird, the Space Shuttle Discovery, and the Enola Gay. We’ll update this guide when the date is confirmed.
Getting to the Udvar-Hazy Center
The Udvar-Hazy Center is the Air and Space Museum’s giant annex in Chantilly, Virginia, about 28 miles west of downtown Washington, right by Dulles Airport. Important: it’s not on the Metro — you’ll need to drive or take a rideshare. The good news: admission is completely free, and parking is $15.
Plan at least half a day. The hangar is enormous, and between the F-117 debut, the shuttle, and the SR-71, aviation fans can easily fill four hours.
What else to see while you’re there
Even before the Nighthawk arrives, Udvar-Hazy is one of the best museums in the DC area. Don’t miss the SR-71 Blackbird — the fastest jet ever built — the Space Shuttle Discovery, which flew 39 missions, and the Enola Gay. All free, all under one roof.
F-117 at the Smithsonian FAQs
When will the F-117 be on display at the Smithsonian?
Late October 2026 at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. The museum hasn’t announced an exact date yet — check back here; we’ll update this guide when it does.
Can I watch the F-117 being reassembled?
Yes — right now. The jet is being put back together in the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar, and visitors can watch the work through the observation glass during normal museum hours.
Is the Udvar-Hazy Center free?
Admission is completely free. Parking costs $15.
How do I get to the Udvar-Hazy Center from downtown DC?
It’s about 28 miles west in Chantilly, Virginia, near Dulles Airport. There’s no Metro service — drive or take a rideshare.
Hero photo: F-117 Nighthawk via Wikimedia Commons (public domain, U.S. Air Force). In-article photos via Wikimedia Commons.
