{"type":"programs","slug":"1976-project-have-blue","title":"Project HAVE BLUE","url":"https://disclosdex.com/programs/1976-project-have-blue","description":"Lockheed Skunk Works program that developed radar-evading stealth technology and produced the first stealth aircraft prototype","date":"1976-01-01T00:00:00.000Z","tags":["Craft"],"updated":"2025-06-13T13:26:43.000Z","connectionCount":0,"content":{"markdown":"## Origins and Context\n\nProject HAVE BLUE began in 1976 as a DARPA and Air Force initiative to develop the first aircraft with a significantly reduced radar cross-section.[^1] The program emerged from theoretical work on radar reflection and computer modeling of aircraft signatures.[^2]\n\n## Program Structure\n\nLockheed's Skunk Works division led the development, using revolutionary \"faceted\" design principles to redirect radar energy away from receivers.[^3] The program produced two prototype aircraft, HB1001 and HB1002, testing stealth characteristics and flight performance.[^4]\n\n## Key Developments\n\nThe program successfully demonstrated that aircraft could be designed to be virtually invisible to radar detection. Key innovations included:\n\n- Faceted surface design using flat panels\n- Radar-absorbent materials (RAM) coating\n- Concealed engine inlets and exhausts\n- Specialized flight control systems for unstable aerodynamics\n\n## Legacy and Impact\n\nHAVE BLUE directly led to the development of the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter.[^5] The program's success revolutionized military aviation and established fundamental principles for stealth technology that influenced all subsequent low-observable aircraft designs.\n\n[^1]: [DARPA, \"Have Blue and Stealth Technology\"](https://www.darpa.mil/about/innovation-timeline/have-blue-stealth-technology)\n\n[^2]: [Lockheed Martin, \"1,000+ Stealth Aircraft - Now That's a Milestone\"](https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/features/2022/Now-Thats-a-Milestone-Worth-Celebrating-1000-Stealth-Air.html)\n\n[^3]: [Lockheed Martin, \"F-117 Nighthawk\"](https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/features/history/f-117.html)\n\n[^4]: [DARPA, \"Stealth Aircraft\"](https://www.darpa.mil/news/features/stealth)\n\n[^5]: [DARPA, \"Have Blue and Stealth Technology\"](https://www.darpa.mil/about/innovation-timeline/have-blue-stealth-technology)","readingTime":"1 min read"},"relatedRecords":[],"citation":{"canonicalUrl":"https://disclosdex.com/programs/1976-project-have-blue","title":"Project HAVE BLUE","publisher":"Disclosdex","retrievedFrom":"https://disclosdex.com/api/v1/programs/1976-project-have-blue","license":"CC-BY-4.0"}}