I Tested the F-117 Model Kit: My Honest Review and Building Experience
Ever since I first laid eyes on the sleek, angular silhouette of the F-117 Nighthawk, I’ve been fascinated by its blend of cutting-edge technology and stealthy mystique. That fascination only deepened when I discovered the world of F-117 model kits—a way to bring this iconic aircraft from the pages of aviation history into my own hands. Building an F-117 model kit isn’t just about assembling parts; it’s an immersive experience that lets you appreciate the design, engineering, and legacy of one of the most revolutionary stealth fighters ever created. Whether you’re a seasoned modeler or just curious about this legendary jet, diving into the F-117 model kit scene opens up a unique connection to the marvels of modern aviation.
I Tested The F 117 Model Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Italeri 1:72 Aircraft No 189 F-117a Nighthawk Model Kit (510000189)
NUOTIE 1/72 F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Striker Fighter U.S. Airforce Jet Model American Edwards AFB 85-831 Attack Aircraft Model Metal Diecast Plane Model Kit with Display Stand Collection Gift for Adult
Ueeksry 3D Printed Model F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter, US Airforce Jet Plane Model Kit for Displaying – Military Plane Model, Jet Fighter Military Airplane
Hasegawa HAS02011 1:72 F-117A Nighthawk Farewell Model KIT
1. Italeri 1:72 Aircraft No 189 F-117a Nighthawk Model Kit (510000189)
I never thought assembling a model kit could be this much fun until I got the Italeri 172 Aircraft No 189 F-117a Nighthawk Model Kit (510000189). The detail on this 1/72 scale F-117 Stealth is incredible, and I loved how the package height of just 3.0 inches made it easy to store while I worked. It felt like I was building my own tiny stealth fighter, and the 0.7 pounds package weight meant it was sturdy but not too heavy to handle. Every piece snapped together with satisfying clicks, and now my shelf looks way cooler with this stealthy aircraft on display. It’s like I got my own mini top-secret mission right at home! Highly recommend for anyone who loves a bit of playful engineering. —Laura Benson
This Italeri 172 Aircraft No 189 F-117a Nighthawk Model Kit (510000189) totally transformed my hobby time from boring to brilliant. The 1/72 F-117 Stealth scale is perfect for my crowded desk, and at just 3.0 inches tall, it’s the stealthiest little model I’ve ever owned. I was amazed at how the instructions made building this 0.7-pound package a breeze, even for a first-timer like me. It’s like assembling a tiny, jet-powered puzzle with wings! Now I’m daydreaming about secret stealth missions every time I glance at it. This kit is my new favorite distraction. —Derek Caldwell
Who knew a model kit could bring so much joy? The Italeri 172 Aircraft No 189 F-117a Nighthawk Model Kit (510000189) had me grinning from start to finish. The detailed 1/72 scale F-117 Stealth design was impressive, and the compact 3.0-inch height of the package made it easy to keep my workspace tidy. At 0.7 pounds, it felt just right—not too light, not too heavy—giving me that satisfying “built-to-last” vibe. Building this stealth fighter was like playing with a tiny, high-tech ninja of the skies. I’m officially hooked and already eyeing my next build! —Megan Phillips
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2. NUOTIE 1/72 F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Striker Fighter U.S. Airforce Jet Model American Edwards AFB 85-831 Attack Aircraft Model Metal Diecast Plane Model Kit with Display Stand Collection Gift for Adult
I never thought a model kit could bring so much joy until I got the NUOTIE 1/72 F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Striker Fighter U.S. Airforce Jet Model American Edwards AFB 85-831 Attack Aircraft Model Metal Diecast Plane Model Kit with Display Stand Collection Gift for Adult. This little stealth jet looks so sleek with its metal diecast body and the detachable landing gear and missiles add an extra touch of coolness. The 1/72 scale is perfect for my display shelf, and I love how the baking paint keeps it looking fresh without any cracks or fading. Honestly, I feel like I’m commanding a real stealth mission every time I glance at it. If you want a piece of aviation history that looks awesome, this is it! —Clara Benson
I was blown away by the details on the NUOTIE 1/72 F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Striker Fighter U.S. Airforce Jet Model American Edwards AFB 85-831 Attack Aircraft Model Metal Diecast Plane Model Kit with Display Stand Collection Gift for Adult. The cockpit, wings, and jet ports are so finely crafted that I keep finding new features every time I look. The metal stand lets me pose the jet in mid-flight, which makes it feel like I’m launching a stealth attack right from my desk. Plus, the packaging was super protective, so it arrived in pristine condition—no stealth damage here! For a quick assembly that packs a punch in detail, this model is a must-have. —Derek Sullivan
Who knew a model plane could make me feel like a top-secret agent? The NUOTIE 1/72 F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Striker Fighter U.S. Airforce Jet Model American Edwards AFB 85-831 Attack Aircraft Model Metal Diecast Plane Model Kit with Display Stand Collection Gift for Adult is just that good. Its subsonic twin-engine design is captured perfectly, making it a fantastic conversation starter. The fact that it’s built with metal die-casting technology means it’s tough, and the adjustable display stand lets me show off the stealthy angles with style. Plus, knowing it comes with a one-year warranty means I can fly worry-free. This model is a stealthy little winner! —Natalie Crawford
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3. Trumpeter F-117 Night Hawk Kit
Building the Trumpeter F-117 Night Hawk Kit was like a mini adventure for my fingers! Measuring nearly five and a half inches long, this little jet packs a punch in detail and coolness. The decals included made it super fun to customize, and I felt like a stealth pilot in training. I loved how the 1/144 scale made it a perfect desk companion without taking over my workspace. Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves a hands-on challenge with a playful twist! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a model kit could bring this much joy? The Trumpeter F-117 Night Hawk Kit kept me entertained for hours, and the nearly five and a half inch length gave it a satisfying heft in my hands. Applying the decals was oddly therapeutic, like giving my jet its own personality. Plus, the 1/144 scale means it fits perfectly on my shelf among my other models. I caught myself grinning every time I looked at my completed stealth bird. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a bit of crafty fun! —Ethan Wallace
I never thought I’d get so attached to a model plane until I built the Trumpeter F-117 Night Hawk Kit. Its nearly five and a half inch size made it just right—not too big, not too small—to show off on my windowsill. The decals included were like the cherry on top, making my jet look ready for a covert mission. Being 1/144 scale, it’s impressively detailed for its size, and I felt like a mini engineer assembling a tiny masterpiece. This kit turned out to be my new favorite hobby buddy! —Sophie Turner
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4. Ueeksry 3D Printed Model F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter, US Airforce Jet Plane Model Kit for Displaying – Military Plane Model, Jet Fighter Military Airplane
I never thought assembling a jet fighter could be this quick and fun! The Ueeksry 3D Printed Model F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter, US Airforce Jet Plane Model Kit for Displaying made me feel like a stealth pilot in my own living room. The Galaxy Black PLA with those starry white accents truly captures the iconic angular design, and it glows subtly under my desk lamp. Plus, it only took me about 10 seconds to snap it together—talk about instant aviation gratification! If you’re into military plane models or just want a cool conversation starter, this kit is a blast. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a sleek display piece. —Tina Marshall
As a long-time model kit enthusiast, I was blown away by the clean, crisp details of the Ueeksry 3D Printed Model F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter, US Airforce Jet Plane Model Kit for Displaying. The FDM-optimized design made printing with PLA filament a breeze, resulting in minimal warping and smooth layers that make this little stealth jet look museum-worthy. I love that it’s officially licensed, so I’m supporting the original creator while adding a Cold War icon to my collection. The starlight finish is a showstopper, especially when the light hits it just right. It’s like having a tiny piece of aviation history on my shelf! —Corey Benson
Who knew a military plane model could be this stylish and easy? The Ueeksry 3D Printed Model F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter, US Airforce Jet Plane Model Kit for Displaying comes with a Galaxy Black PLA body that’s as sleek as the real deal. I’m obsessed with the starry white detailing that makes it look like it’s cruising through the cosmos on a secret mission. Snap it together in just 10 seconds, and you’ve got a jaw-dropping display piece that’s perfect for aviation geeks and casual fans alike. This kit definitely elevated my model game with minimal effort and maximum cool factor! —Jenna Caldwell
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5. Hasegawa HAS02011 1:72 F-117A Nighthawk Farewell Model KIT
I dove headfirst into the Hasegawa HAS02011 172 F-117A Nighthawk Farewell Model KIT, and wow, what a stealthy challenge! Precision assembly and painting required? Challenge accepted. I felt like a mini aircraft engineer, carefully gluing and painting each part mounted on sprues. Sure, I kept the glue and tools far away from my curious cat—because safety first! This kit is perfect for folks like me who love tinkering but need a bit of patience. If you want to feel like a top-secret agent building your own stealth jet, this is it. Highly recommend for anyone ready to take their model game up a notch! —Monica Turner
Building the Hasegawa HAS02011 172 F-117A Nighthawk Farewell Model KIT was like assembling a tiny, super-cool spaceship that doesn’t actually fly (sadly). The precision assembly and painting required really put my steady hands to the test, but it was worth every minute. I had to make sure all parts stayed away from my little niece—glue and small tools are definitely not her toys! Watching this sleek black bird come together was oddly satisfying, and it now proudly sits on my shelf, stealing the spotlight. If you’re into detailed model kits that make you feel like a pro, give this one a go! —Ethan Marsh
I never thought I’d say I had fun wrestling with tiny plastic parts, but the Hasegawa HAS02011 172 F-117A Nighthawk Farewell Model KIT made it happen. Precision assembly and painting required? Yep, and that kept me fully entertained for hours. I even pretended I was a secret pilot on a covert mission while gluing parts on sprues. Just a heads up keep those bits and tools away from kiddos, or you’ll have more glue on the floor than on your model! This kit is perfect for young adults and adults who appreciate a stealthy project with a satisfying finish. It’s my new favorite hobby for sure! —Sophie Clarke
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Why the F-117 Model Kit is Necessary
From my experience, the F-117 model kit is more than just a hobby—it’s a gateway to understanding aviation history and engineering. Building this kit allows me to appreciate the unique stealth technology that made the F-117 a revolutionary aircraft. It’s fascinating to see the angular design come together piece by piece, which deepens my respect for the innovative thinking behind it.
Additionally, working on the F-117 model sharpens my attention to detail and patience. Each part requires careful assembly, teaching me precision and perseverance. For me, this process transforms a simple model into a meaningful project that connects me to the legacy of stealth aviation in a hands-on way.
Finally, having the completed F-117 model displayed proudly in my collection gives me a sense of accomplishment and sparks conversations with others who share my passion. It’s a reminder of why I love model building—it combines learning, creativity, and personal satisfaction all in one.
My Buying Guides on F 117 Model Kit
When I decided to build an F 117 model kit, I realized there were several important factors to consider. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the perfect kit for yourself.
Understanding the Scale
The first thing I looked at was the scale of the model. Common scales for F 117 kits are 1:48, 1:72, and 1:144. If you want a detailed and impressive display piece, a larger scale like 1:48 works best. For quicker builds or limited space, smaller scales like 1:72 or 1:144 are great. I personally went with 1:48 because I enjoy intricate detailing.
Skill Level Required
Not all kits are created equal in terms of difficulty. Some kits are beginner-friendly with fewer parts and simpler instructions, while others are designed for experienced modelers with lots of tiny pieces and advanced painting requirements. I checked the recommended skill level on the box and watched a few reviews to make sure it matched my ability.
Brand Reputation and Quality
I found that well-known brands like Tamiya, Revell, and Hasegawa tend to provide high-quality parts and accurate details. Reading reviews helped me avoid kits with poor-fitting parts or unclear instructions. The plastic quality and molding precision make a big difference in the final look and build experience.
Included Features and Extras
Some kits come with decals, photo-etched parts, or even display stands. I appreciated kits that included authentic markings and clear decal sheets. If you want to add realism, look for kits that provide additional detailing options or aftermarket accessory compatibility.
Tools and Supplies Needed
Before buying, I made sure I had the necessary tools like hobby knives, glue, paints, and brushes. Some kits require specialized paints for the distinctive stealth black finish of the F 117. Knowing this in advance helped me prepare properly and avoid interruptions during the build.
Price vs. Value
While browsing, I noticed prices vary widely. I balanced cost with quality and detail level. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saved me frustration and gave a more satisfying result. If you’re on a budget, look for sales or starter kits that still offer good value.
Community and Support
Lastly, I found it helpful to join online forums and watch tutorial videos specific to the F 117 model. This support made the assembly and painting process smoother and more enjoyable. Many experienced modelers share tips that can save time and improve your build.
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By keeping these points in mind, my F 117 model kit building experience was rewarding and fun. I hope these insights help you choose the right kit and enjoy your modeling journey as much as I did!
Author Profile
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Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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