Why the F-117 Nighthawk Is Not the A-117: The USAF’s F-Designation Bias

Introduction:

The F-117 Nighthawk is a stealth fighter that embodies advanced military technology, but it was never assigned the A designation. This article explores the reasons behind this naming convention and delves into the USAF’s F-designation bias. These complexities provide insights into the unique naming protocols and priorities of the United States Air Force (USAF).

Understanding Steady-State Naming Conventions

The Armed Services use a common numbering scheme to denote aircraft types. This practice ensures clarity and uniformity in military aircraft designations. For instance, the F-4, which was initially designated by both the Navy and Air Force, led to confusion. To avoid such overlaps, the USAF cleverly borrowed a number from an older series, applying it to their new stealth fighter.

The name "F-117" is derived from the F-100 series, which reached the mid-1960s. By repurposing an outdated number, Lockheed effectively misdirected attention, a move that likely went unnoticed by many stakeholders, thus providing an extra benefit.

The USAF’s Infrequent Use of A Designations

The USAF’s naming convention is heavily skewed towards F (Fighter) and B (Bomber) designations. The A designation, on the other hand, is not frequently utilized.

Here’s a quick look at the A-designated aircraft used by the USAF, with the notable exception that most A-designations belong to Navy aircraft as mentioned:

These aircraft are all Navy jets. The YA-9 was even canceled, and the A-12 never reached production. Despite the military’s expansion, the USAF has barely utilized the A designation for its own equipment.

F-117 Nighthawk’s Absence in the A-Range

Given the USAF’s preference for F and B designations, it would be reasonable to anticipate the F-117 Nighthawk to receive an F or B designation. However, this did not occur. The question remains: why?

The F-117’s primary function was not that of a ground attack aircraft. Instead, its design was optimized for stealth and electronic warfare, making it a specialized asset. The USAF’s preference for F-designated aircraft stems from its strategic doctrine, which prioritizes fighters and bombers, aligning them with the service’s mission.

A-Designation Bias in the USAF

The USAF’s reluctance to use A-designations extends to a broader phenomenon where they tend to categorize various aircraft as "fighters" under their naming convention. This phenomenon is exemplified by the F-15E "Strike Eagle" and the F-35.

Despite not being a traditional air-to-air fighter, the F-15E and F-35 are marked as F for the USAF due to a custom terminology where 'F' means 'Multirole' as well as air-to-air. This explains the rationale behind their designations.

Conclusion

In summary, the absence of the A designation for the F-117 Nighthawk is due to the USAF’s preference for F and B designations. This is further accentuated by the service’s A-Designation bias and the desire to align aircraft designations with their strategic mission. Understanding these conventions provides valuable context for analyzing military aircraft designations and the history of aviation.

Note: An additional consideration is the USAF's inclination to reclassify non-fighter aircraft as fighters for internal and official terminology, thus maintaining consistent designations and mission flexibility.