The A17 USAF secret aircraft:

Generally regarded as a fourth generation low-observable design, the A-17 is believed to have evolved from the YF-23 Advanced Tactical Fighter, and to be the successor of the F-111 Fighter Bomber. The plane's existence is alleged, not established.

BACKGROUND:

Shaped with complex curves and compound curvature, the A-17 is contoured to minimize radar and aerothermal signatures as it carries out its mission of electronic warfare and deep reconnaissance. The engine exhaust geometry is reminiscent of the B-2, where the aft section of the engine nacelle slopes down to meet the aft trailing edge of the tail. The engine exhaust is buried deep within the trough, effectively masking the infra-red signature from observation from below. The two large vertical tail surfaces, serve to mask the exhaust from the sides.

No positively-identifiable pictures of the plane exist; only sightings of the alleged plane have been reported at RAF Bascombe in the UK, and Cannon AFB, New Mexico, USA.

Two events are supposed to be indicative of the A-17's existence.

A-17 Stealth X-Plane, artist's view.

In September 1994, an unusual aircraft was seen over Amarillo, Texas meeting the description of the A-17. The plane was dumping fuel, preparing for an emergency landing. On a scanner, the pilot, using the callsign "Omega", was heard reporting a malfunction. At the time, two F-111s were acting as chase planes.
A man named Steve Douglass captured two unusual flying triangles on video. He believes they could be A-17s, but admits they could also be F-117s, Tornados, or F-14s.

Photo of flying triangles taken by Steve Douglass.

Recent investigation lead to the belief that the famous Aurora sighting by Chris Gibson may have in fact been a sighting of an A-17 in formation. More information about this theme can be read the SR-71 Blackbird, Aurora, and Chris Gibson pages.

This page was last updated on February 21, 2001