{"type":"programs","slug":"1978-project-tacit-blue","title":"Project TACIT BLUE","url":"https://disclosdex.com/programs/1978-project-tacit-blue","description":"Advanced stealth technology demonstrator that pioneered curved surfaces for radar signature reduction and real-time surveillance capabilities","date":"1978-01-01T00:00:00.000Z","tags":["Craft"],"updated":"2025-06-13T13:26:43.000Z","connectionCount":0,"content":{"markdown":"## Origins and Context\n\nProject TACIT BLUE began in 1978 as a classified DARPA and Air Force initiative to develop stealth reconnaissance aircraft.[^1] The program emerged from the need to conduct surveillance missions in heavily defended airspace.[^2]\n\n## Program Structure\n\nNorthrop led development, producing one aircraft and a backup airframe shell under a $165 million contract.[^3] The program introduced revolutionary curved stealth shaping, contrasting with the F-117's faceted approach.[^4]\n\n## Legacy and Impact\n\nTACIT BLUE completed 135 test flights between 1982 and 1985, proving curved stealth surfaces could effectively reduce radar signatures.[^5] The program advanced multiple technologies used in the B-2 Spirit and other stealth aircraft.[^6]\n\n[^1]: [RAND, _A Half Century of U.S. Air Force Science and Technology, 1947-1997_](https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monograph_reports/1998/MR939.pdf)\n\n[^2]: [DARPA, \"Tacit Blue\"](https://www.darpa.mil/about/innovation-timeline/tacit-blue)\n\n[^3]: [Air & Space Forces Magazine, \"The (Tacit) Blue Whale\"](https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0896tacit/)\n\n[^4]: [National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, \"Northrop Tacit Blue\"](https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/MuseumExhibits/FactSheets/Display/tabid/509/Article/195769/northrop-tacit-blue.aspx)\n\n[^5]: [National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, \"Northrop Tacit Blue\"](https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/MuseumExhibits/FactSheets/Display/tabid/509/Article/195769/northrop-tacit-blue.aspx)\n\n[^6]: [DARPA, \"Tacit Blue\"](https://www.darpa.mil/about/innovation-timeline/tacit-blue)","readingTime":"1 min read"},"relatedRecords":[],"citation":{"canonicalUrl":"https://disclosdex.com/programs/1978-project-tacit-blue","title":"Project TACIT BLUE","publisher":"Disclosdex","retrievedFrom":"https://disclosdex.com/api/v1/programs/1978-project-tacit-blue","license":"CC-BY-4.0"}}