Rare sighting of the world’s most secretive plane over Area 51 seemingly confirms longstanding rumors
Published on Aug 22, 2025 at 2:52 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Aug 22, 2025 at 3:03 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
There has officially been a rare sighting of what might be the world’s most secretive plane in Nevada.
And of course, such a sighting has occurred over the legendary Area 51.
The story in question concerns an aircraft called the RATT55.
And it might just be the world’s most secretive plane.
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World’s most secretive plane spotted at Area 51
A YouTuber has managed to spot the world’s most secretive plane.
No, the airplane in question is not the iconic Northrop B-2 Spirit bomber.
It’s not even the legendary Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk stealth attack aircraft.
Instead, it turns out that the aircraft in question is something slightly more…subtle.
This is the RATT55 jet – and it is the world’s most secretive plane.
There is every chance that you’ve never heard of it before, because that is essentially the point.
The RATT55 jet is an aircraft that is currently managed and operated by the US Air Force.
There are rumors throughout the aircraft industry that only this one example was ever built.
And YouTuber Michael Rokita managed to capture the world’s most secretive plane in action.
The YouTuber spotted the aircraft soaring over the airspace of the Nevada desert.
It was then captured, landing at the legendary Area 51, ultimately docking in Hangar 18.
What role does the RATT55 jet serve?
Despite being the world’s most secretive plane, the RATT55 is extremely distinctive.
It has a hump on the top and the belly, as well as a large nose and a big protrusion on the back.
And it turns out that the purpose of the RATT55 is to perform in-flight radar cross-section testing.
To put it simply, it exists to evaluate the stealth profiles and capabilities of other aircraft.
And the RATT55 is able to perform this function in mid-air.
This makes the world’s most secretive plane a vital resource for the development of top-secret aircraft.
In today’s technological age, having the advantage in the skies is more important than ever.
Development and procedural improvements are more incremental than at any point before.
This makes development aircraft such as the RATT55 absolutely vital for the US Air Force.
And that is the story of the world’s most secretive plane!
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
