Stunning pics show F-117 stealth attack fighters during historic training deployment with F-15 jets

marks a kind of second shot at fame for the officially retired F-117, first reported by . 

The dark metallic and sleekly-designed aircraft that notoriously defied radar that it was fondly referred to as during the Reagan Years - was the VIP of the runways after first touching down this week at Fresno-Yosemite International Airport.

Overhead, the F-117 was a clear standout amongst the more ubiquitous F-15C/Ds as it was .

ONLY 48 F-117S IN FLEET

The US Air Force debuted the aircraft back in 1989.

It officially retired the F-117 in 2008.

"It paved the way for the future of stealth technology, and it makes us wonder just how much further we can continue pushing the limits of what’s possible," according to a description by Lockheed Martin.

The Air Force reported that as of January 2021 there are only 48 F-117s remaining in its inventory.

They are “disposing of approximately four aircraft each year.”

Those F-117s that bow out of the fleet or “disposed” are offered to museums though the USAF Strategic Basing program and the National Museum of the USAF.

'STILL AIRWORTHY'

Lt. Col. David Allamandola, 144th FW Advanced Programs Officer was ecstatic: “Our Griffin pilots, operations, and maintainers are thrilled to be able to participate in this unique opportunity. 

“It is a very special privilege to do open air training missions with the F-117 Nighthawks.”

He added: “This training offers incredible value for everyone involved and presents new challenges to test difficult tactics in a realistic environment. 

“Not everyone gets to do this, so it’s been exciting creating the groundwork with our partners to make this a reality.”

Although the Air Force officially grounded the F-117s, they are considered “airworthy” and are “used to support limited research and training missions based on overall cost-effectiveness and their ability to offer unique capabilities.”