[Enlightiator]

The F117 is a fighter. The Air Force calls it a fighter. Jane's calls it a fighter. F. F means fighter. I've never heard the F117 called a "bomber" except in the article and this thread. It doesn't have cannons? A lot of other fighters don't either, this isn't world war II.

F-117 NightHawk attack fighter

[KirklandJunction]

"Precision attack aircraft" per your reference.

"F"-117?

Don't get hung-up on what your 'gummint tells you.

[hchutch]

Some of my sources have indicated the F-117 can carry Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. It probably was intended as an AWACS-killer (going after Russian Mainstay and Moss AEW planes). Sneak in close, pop a couple Sidewinders at the AWACS, one or two at the escorts, then close the bay doors and vanish into the night...

While the F-15s and F-16s make like velociraptors and start slaughtering the OPFOR's poor pilots.

[JSteff]

A lot of other fighters don't either, this isn't world war II.

As far as I know ALL our Fighters today have cannon. The last one purposely built without was the F4 and they were eventually added to that.

[USNBandit]

The whole F-117 being a tactical bomber, but referred to as a fighter is a hold over from the SALT treaties. Both sides were limited on the number of bombers they were allowed to have.