How did F117 get it's designation?

"ReeferGuy" wrote in message
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I've always wondered how he F117 got it's deignation number.


Everybody does.



After all, we have the following:

F14, F15, F16, F18, the new F22.


Actually, we have F-14, F-15, F-16, F-18, and the new F-22.



How did it become 117.


There are several theories bouncing around the internet.



I know that the USAF version was originally called the F110 Spectre.


The USAF version of the F4H Phantom II was originally called F-110 Spectre.
The aircraft was ordered as the F-110A but was redesignated F-4C before
delivery. A tri-service designation system was adopted in 1962, essentially
the three services adopted the USAF sysytem and most series began
renumbering at -1.



Same deal with the B2.


The first new bomber after the new system was adopted was the Rockwell B-1
Lancer, the second was the Northrop B-2 Spirit. The next will be the B-3.