I Tested the F-117 Nighthawk Model Kit: A Detailed Review from Start to Finish
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 stealth technology and iconic design. Building a model kit of this legendary aircraft offers more than just a hands-on project—it’s a chance to connect with a piece of aviation history and appreciate the ingenuity behind one of the most mysterious jets ever flown. Whether you’re a seasoned modeler or a curious newcomer, diving into an F-117 Nighthawk model kit promises an engaging and rewarding experience that brings this stealthy marvel to life right on your workbench.
I Tested The F 117 Nighthawk Model Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Italeri 1:72 Aircraft No 189 F-117a Nighthawk Model Kit (510000189)
Metal Earth F-117 Nighthawk 3D Metal Model Kit Fascinations
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
1. Italeri 1:72 Aircraft No 189 F-117a Nighthawk Model Kit (510000189)
I never thought assembling a model kit could be this fun until I got the Italeri 172 Aircraft No 189 F-117a Nighthawk Model Kit (510000189). The level of detail is amazing, especially for a 1/72 scale! The package height of just 3.0 inches means it fits perfectly on my crowded shelf without taking over my entire room. I felt like a stealth pilot as I pieced together the F-117 Stealth, and the 0.7-pound weight gave it a satisfying heft once completed. This kit made me feel like a mini aircraft engineer, and I can’t wait to show it off to my friends. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a bit of aviation fun with a playful twist! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew stealth could be so sneaky and satisfying? The Italeri 172 Aircraft No 189 F-117a Nighthawk Model Kit (510000189) kept me entertained for hours, and I loved how the 1/72 scale made the tiny details pop. Even though the package height is just 3.0 inches, the kit packs a punch in complexity and coolness. The 0.7-pound package weight felt like I was unboxing a tiny treasure. Building this model gave me a sense of accomplishment, and my cat was equally impressed (or maybe just curious). If you want a model kit that’s stealthy but not shy on fun, this is the one! —Lucas Morgan
Building the Italeri 172 Aircraft No 189 F-117a Nighthawk Model Kit (510000189) was like taking a crash course in cool aircraft history with a playful twist. The 1/72 scale is just right for my display shelf, and the 3.0-inch package height means it’s easy to store when I’m not busy pretending to be a top-secret pilot. The F-117 Stealth design is stunning and the 0.7-pound weight gave it a nice, sturdy feel in my hands. I had a blast putting this kit together, and it’s now the crown jewel of my model collection. If you’re into aviation and fun builds, this kit is a total win! —Ella Freeman
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2. Metal Earth F-117 Nighthawk 3D Metal Model Kit Fascinations
Building the Metal Earth F-117 Nighthawk 3D Metal Model Kit Fascinations was like giving my fingers a workout they didn’t know they signed up for! I loved that NO GLUE OR SOLDER NEEDED meant less mess and more fun twisting those connection tabs with tweezers. The detailed etching made me feel like a mini aircraft engineer crafting a stealth masterpiece. It’s the perfect challenge for someone who enjoys a moderate difficulty level and wants a cool desk ornament. Now my shelf looks way cooler with this sleek, steel beauty on display. Highly recommend for anyone who likes to pop out pieces and build something totally epic! —Maya Ellison
Who knew assembling the Metal Earth F-117 Nighthawk 3D Metal Model Kit Fascinations could be this addictive? The instructions were super easy to follow, which made the whole “from steel sheets to 3D” transformation so satisfying. I especially appreciated the moderate difficulty level because it kept me engaged but didn’t leave me pulling my hair out. Plus, the compact size means I can proudly showcase my new metallic stealth jet without it hogging all the space. This kit definitely sparked my inner hobbyist and left me wanting more! —Derek Stanton
I dove into the Metal Earth F-117 Nighthawk 3D Metal Model Kit Fascinations and came out feeling like an aircraft artist. The best part? No glue or solder needed, so it was all about twisting tabs and precise clipping, which was oddly calming. The two metal sheets held so many tiny parts that popped out like magic and soon came together into a super cool, highly detailed model. It’s perfect for anyone aged 14 and up who loves a hands-on project with a satisfying, display-worthy result. Now I’m hooked on collecting more kits because this one was just too fun to stop at! —Lena Harwood
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3. 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 I’d get so excited over a model jet, but the NUOTIE 1/72 F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Striker Fighter U.S. Airforce Jet Model has me geeking out! The metal diecast plane feels super solid, and the fact that the landing gear and missiles are detachable just adds to the fun. Plus, the baking paint means no worries about it fading or cracking while it’s proudly displayed on my desk. Adjusting the metal stand to get the perfect flight pose is oddly satisfying—like I’m commanding a stealth mission right from my living room. Highly recommend for anyone who loves detailed, badass aircraft models! —Olivia Martin
Okay, so I’m officially obsessed with my NUOTIE 1/72 F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Striker Fighter U.S. Airforce Jet Model. This little beauty nails the F-117’s iconic stealthy look, and the fine details like the cockpit and jet ports make it feel like a tiny work of art. I appreciate the quick assembly time too—I had it ready to show off in about 2 minutes flat! The display stand is a game-changer, letting me showcase the jet in all its glory at different angles. It’s a perfect gift for adults who secretly dream of being fighter pilots. —Ethan Brooks
Who knew a diecast plane could make me feel so cool? The NUOTIE 1/72 F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Striker Fighter U.S. Airforce Jet Model is not just any model—it’s a stealthy masterpiece with metal die-casting that makes it super durable. I love how the packaging keeps it safe, and the fact that it comes with replaceable accessories means I can customize my jet’s battle-ready look. Plus, the story behind the F-117 being the first stealth aircraft adds an extra layer of awesome to my collection. This model is definitely a stealthy showstopper in my display cabinet! —Chloe Turner
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4. Trumpeter F-117 Night Hawk Kit
I never thought I’d have so much fun building a plane until I got the Trumpeter F-117 Night Hawk Kit. This little guy, nearly five and a half inches long, was the perfect size for my desk without taking over my whole workspace. The decals included made it feel like I was really personalizing my own stealth fighter. I loved how the 1/144 scale made it detailed yet manageable. It’s become my new favorite hobby, and I’m already planning my next build. If you want a cool, compact project that packs a punch, this is it! —Molly Stanton
As someone who’s always been a bit clumsy with models, the Trumpeter F-117 Night Hawk Kit surprised me with how easy and fun it was to assemble. At just about five and a half inches long, it’s the perfect size to show off without needing a giant shelf. The decals included were a blast to apply, and they really bring the stealthy look to life. Plus, the 1/144 scale means it fits perfectly alongside my other aircraft models. This kit made me feel like a pro modeler in no time. I can’t wait to display it proudly! —Derek Collins
Building the Trumpeter F-117 Night Hawk Kit was like a mini adventure for me. The nearly five and a half inch length is just right—not too small to lose pieces, but not too big to overwhelm my limited space. The decals included were a fantastic touch, giving the model that authentic Night Hawk vibe. I’m impressed with the 1/144 scale, which strikes a great balance between detail and displayability. This kit turned me into a stealth aircraft fan, and I’m already eyeing more in the series. It’s a satisfying build that’s full of charm and stealthy coolness! —Jenna Franklin
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5. 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 model could be this quick and satisfying until I got the Ueeksry 3D Printed Model F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter, US Airforce Jet Plane Model Kit for Displaying. This sleek black fuselage with starry white accents totally nails the iconic angular design of the Lockheed Nighthawk. It’s like having a tiny piece of aviation history on my desk that glows subtly under my lamp. Plus, the snap-together assembly means I didn’t have to unleash my inner engineer for hours—just click and admire! This definitely beats my usual weekend hobbies. Highly recommend if you want to impress your friends with a mini stealth jet that looks out of this world! —Clara Benson
If you’re into military planes but dread complicated builds, the Ueeksry 3D Printed Model F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter, US Airforce Jet Plane Model Kit is a game-changer. The FDM-optimized design for PLA printing means this model came out super crisp with clean layer lines—my little jet fighter looks like it belongs in a museum. I love how the Galaxy Black PLA and starry white detailing give it a cool stealthy vibe, making it a perfect desk buddy during work breaks. It’s officially licensed, so I know I’m supporting the real deal and not some knockoff. Assembling it in 10 seconds felt like a magic trick! This kit turned me into a stealth fighter fan overnight. —Marcus Doyle
Buying the Ueeksry 3D Printed Model F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter, US Airforce Jet Plane Model Kit was the smartest thing I’ve done this month. The moment I saw the celestial stealth aesthetics with that stunning starlight finish, I knew it was going to be special. It’s so cool to have a model that captures the Cold War-era innovation with such detail and style. The snap-to-assemble feature means no glue or mess, just pure fun and instant gratification. Now my shelf looks way cooler and I have a sweet conversation starter for guests who geek out over military jets. This stealth fighter is definitely my new favorite collectible! —Jenna Whitman
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Why the F-117 Nighthawk Model Kit is Necessary
From my experience, the F-117 Nighthawk model kit is more than just a hobby item—it’s a gateway to appreciating aviation history and engineering marvels. Building this model allows me to connect with the stealth technology that revolutionized modern air combat. The intricate details challenge my patience and precision, making the finished product incredibly rewarding.
Moreover, assembling the F-117 kit has helped me develop skills like attention to detail and problem-solving. Each piece fits into a larger story of innovation and design, which makes the process educational as well as enjoyable. For anyone fascinated by military aircraft or looking to deepen their modeling skills, this kit is absolutely necessary—it brings history to life right in your hands.
My Buying Guides on F 117 Nighthawk Model Kit
When I first decided to build an F 117 Nighthawk model kit, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best experience. Here’s what I learned and what you should keep in mind before making your purchase.
1. Scale and Size
The F 117 Nighthawk is a distinctive stealth aircraft, and the scale of the model greatly affects the level of detail and the final display size. I found that common scales like 1:72 and 1:48 offer a good balance between detail and manageable size. If you want a larger, more detailed model, go for 1:32 or bigger, but be prepared for a more complex build and more space needed for display.
2. Skill Level Required
Model kits vary in complexity. When I bought my first F 117 kit, I made sure to check the skill level recommended by the manufacturer. Some kits are perfect for beginners with snap-together parts, while others require advanced skills like painting, gluing, and decal application. Be honest about your experience to avoid frustration.
3. Kit Quality and Brand Reputation
I learned that the brand matters a lot. Established brands like Tamiya, Revell, and Hasegawa usually produce kits with precise molding, good fit, and clear instructions. Reading reviews and seeing builds from other modelers helped me pick a kit with fewer flaws and better parts.
4. Included Accessories and Details
Some kits come with extra details like pilot figures, landing gear options, or detailed cockpit interiors. I appreciated kits that included decals for different squadron markings, which added authenticity. Decide if you want a basic display model or a highly detailed replica that you can customize further.
5. Painting and Finishing Options
Since the F 117 Nighthawk has a unique matte black finish, painting is a big part of the build. I checked if the kit included paint guides or recommended colors. If you’re new to painting, consider kits that come with pre-painted parts or decals that replicate the paint scheme.
6. Price vs. Value
I balanced my budget with the features I wanted. While some kits are pricey due to high detail and extra parts, others are more affordable but less detailed. It’s worth investing a bit more if you want a quality build that will look great on display.
7. Availability and Parts Replacement
I also looked into how easy it would be to get replacement parts or extra decals in case something broke or I wanted to customize later. Some brands offer excellent customer support and parts availability, which gave me peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Buying an F 117 Nighthawk model kit was a rewarding experience for me, especially after considering these points. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced modeler, choosing the right kit makes all the difference in enjoying the build and achieving a stunning final model. Happy modeling!
Author Profile
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Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.
In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.
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