PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Monday, the Air Zoo in Portage announced the arrival of its newest aircraft, a Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk, Tail #817, nicknamed Shaba.
According to the announcement, Air Zoo President and CEO Troy Thrash, along with a crew of transportation specialists, traveled 1,940 miles to bring the stealth fighter to Portage.
Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk “Shaba” arrives in part at the Air Zoo in Portage. (Photo courtesy of Air Zoo).
“I really can’t believe the time has finally come, to sign for and start this exciting journey back to Southwest Michigan, with the first operational Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk released for public display east of the Rockies,” Thrash said in a statement as he prepared for the trip to Tonopah, Nevada on November 30. “This is a monumental event for not only the Air Zoo Family, but for everyone in Southwest Michigan, and this positive news could not have come at a better time.”
Officials add that last year, the Air Zoo was notified that they would be the recipient of one of the first Lockheed F-117 Nighthawks released for public display.
Officials say this plane represents the U.S. Air Force’s first active military stealth aircraft. Once received, the week of December 7, the Air Zoo is expected to be the first non-governmental facility in the country, and the only museum in the state of Michigan, to publicly display an F-117.
Shaba was transported on two trucks across the country. The truck carrying the wings and tail fins arrived in Kalamazoo late Saturday night and was unloaded Monday morning at the Air Zoo’s Flight Discovery Center.
The Air Zoo team now anticipates the arrival of the fuselage Wednesday afternoon, with plans to off-load it on Thursday, December 10. They will work with a team from the Tonopah Test Range to reunite Shaba’s main components for display on the Flight Discovery Center’s exhibit floor on Thursday and Friday.
The Air Zoo’s Restoration Team will work to recreate the aircraft’s leading edges and paint her for display at the Flight Innovation Center near the end of 2021. While under restorative care, Shaba will be available for guests to see up close and personal.
Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk “Shaba” fuselage at a stop light. (Photo courtesy of Air Zoo).
Those interested in learning more about project “Get Shaba” can connect with the Air Zoo on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or on their dedicated Facebook Group page at https://www.facebook.com/
To hear an interview WKZO conducted with Thrash on the subject, click here.
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