Two prototypes were ultimately constructed for the Have Blue program and these actively flown as "HB1001" and "HB1002" (under complete secrecy). HB1001 went airborne for the first time on December 1st, 1977 and particular attention was paid by engineers to the Fly-By-Wire (FBW) (quadruple redundant) system at play - the Have Blue concept was essentially inherently unstable as aircraft went so external pilot-assistance became mandatory. On May 4th, 1978, on the aircraft's 36th flight, the prototype suffered a hard landing which damaged one of the main undercarriage legs. A lack of fuel then caused a flameout of one of the engines. Unable to land, the test pilot ejected to safety and the prototype crashed.
HB1002, with a revised rear fuselage section, went into the air for the first time on July 20th, 1978. However, its time in the skies was also short-lived for, on July 11th, 1979, a hydraulic leak sparked an engine fire and loss of hydraulic pressure. Again the test pilot ejected to safety but the prototype was lost in the ensuing crash.
Even with the loss of both Have Blue prototypes during testing, the project was still considered a success in the eyes of program observers and nevertheless supplied the needed framework for the F-117 to follow. The press was already somewhat aware that something was afoot by the time of the late 1970s but it was not until the F-117's complete unveiling in 1988 when the concept of a stealth-minded fighter became truly realized to the public. Before long, the idea of a largely faceted fuselage was dropped as computer testing showed curves could be applied and still maintain stealth - which is why the B-2 was able to be finalized with its smooth contours.
Today, the Lockheed F-22 Raptor fighter and F-35 Lightning II strike platform both benefit from the technological breakthroughs offered by the Have Blue program. Of note are the type's combination of faceted surfaces as well as rounded contours.
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