The U.S. Air Force said it will keep a limited number of retired F-117 Nighthawk stealth aircraft flying at the Tonopah Test Range Airport in Nevada through at least 2034, requiring continued maintenance that includes a new contract for explosive devices used in the aircraft’s emergency tailhook system. The F-117 was officially retired in 2008, but a small fleet has remained in service for research, development, test and evaluation, and training missions. The Air Force released a contracting notice this week that outlines a sole‑source order for cartridge‑actuated devices and propellant‑actuated devices to replace aging explosive charges supporting the tailhook mechanism. The tailhook system is stored in a sealed compartment to avoid affecting the jet’s stealth signature; deployment uses explosive charges that eject a flush‑mounted panel and release the hook, after which the system must be reset on the ground. The contract covers the Tail Hook Panel Pyrotechnic Assembly and Tail Hook Panel Initiator, as well as other CAD/PAD items that support ejection seat functions. Similar emergency tailhook designs are used on other land‑based stealth aircraft, including the F‑22 Raptor and F‑35A Joint Strike Fighter. The Air Force also plans to sustain KC‑46 Pegasus tanker refueling of the Nighthawks, a capability introduced after the aircraft left frontline service in 2008. Since 2008, the F‑117 has served as a red‑air aggressor and as a surrogate for stealthy cruise missiles in large‑scale exercises. The Air Force will need to continue supplying new explosive charges to maintain the emergency tailhook reliability as the remaining F‑117 fleet operates for another decade.