MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Hidden in the depths of highly guarded hangers at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., the F-117 Nighthawk, America's premier stealth fighter, stays tucked away from the world but for occasional "UFO sightings" and air show appearances.

Prior to 2005, the F-117 had always been a static display at Miramar air shows, never giving an actual aerial performance. However this year's 50th anniversary air show brought the inaugural performance by the stealth fighter in Miramar air show history.

The four flights the Nighthawk made at the air show lasted only minutes but the effect was lasting. The pilot flew the jet past the grandstands, located at show center, and made a slow bank turn. He then passed the grandstands one more time and landed the jet.

"The flights don't last long and there is not a lot of maneuvering done because this aircraft is still top secret," said Air Force Maj. Kevin L. Smith, 9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Wing, Holloman Air Force Base. "This jet is not made to fly like a conventional fighter.  It is used to attack ground targets under radar."

From the flight capabilities to the highly advanced weapons systems, the F-117 Nighthawk has continued to improve since the prototype's inception, according to www.airforce-technology.com.

The Lockheed-Martin Corporation had the first prototype developed in 1978 and received the contract for the production of the stealth fighters. Lockheed-Martin then continued research and development on the fighters and by 1990, 52 single-crew fighters were delivered to Holloman Air Force Base. As technology improved over the years, Lockheed-Martin had to upgrade the already-completed fighters while trying to manufacture new aircraft, making it a challenge to fill their contract, according to the Lockheed-Martin Web site.

The weapons systems of the F-117 are at the cutting edge of technology.   A team of research and development specialists is  wholly dedicated at all times to ensuring the Nighthawk has the most current and advanced weapons available. The weapons of the stealth include free-falling or "dumb" bombs as well as a variety of guided munitions. It also has an internal weapons cache and is mid-air refueling capable, giving it unlimited range.

To maximize the potential the unlimited range of the aircraft provides, the pilots undergo an extensive training course that teaches them capabilities of the jet and trains their bodies for long flights.

"The pilots who fly the Nighthawks must meet certain qualifications before beginning training for the F-117," said Smith. "The pilots who are selected for the stealth program must have a minimum of 500 flying hours and must have completed a tour piloting another aircraft.

"The initial training is three months long and the pilots-in-training never fly the fighter until the last month," he said. "The F-117 is a single-seated fighter so the first time they fly it they are alone."

The pilots train on the T-38 Talon, an advanced supersonic fighter jet that seats two pilots and was specifically designed for training purposes. "This jet is fairly inexpensive to maintain and repair and it gives the trainer a chance to get a hands-on feel for the trainees' flying capabilities," said the stealth pilot of seven-years.

Upon completion of initial training, the pilots become certified to fly the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter.  They then receive advanced training in air-to-ground combat tactics and continue training throughout their entire tour in the Nighthawk.

Though it is more than 20 years old, the stealth fighter is still one of the most highly classified aircraft in the U.S. arsenal.  It is this mystique that makes enemies around the world fear its shadow and makes the F-117 Nighthawk a truly lethal arrow in the U.S. military quiver.