Why was the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk designated as a Fighter aircraft, and not something more appropriate, like an Attack or Bomber aircraft?
Historically, the USAF has referred to combat aircraft as either fighters or bombers. For example, when the USAF became independent in 1947, existing USAAF Pursuit aircraft were redesignated as Fighters (P-51 Mustang became F-51 Mustang). Existing USAAF Attack aircraft were either redesignated as Bombers (twin-engine, medium...