The numbering system was reset in 1962 as part of a bigger change, unifying aircraft designations across all the service branches. Some aircraft designated prior to this kept their designation, while others changed. Soviet aircraft obtained by the US for test and evaluation were often given designations >100 so they could be referenced internally without giving away what they really were, as the evaluation program was classified.

As for the F-117; fighters are generally regarded as sexier and more attractive than attack, bombers, cargo or other types. By calling it a fighter the USAF reckoned that recruitment would be easier and also that it's real purpose would be obfuscated. This is also the reason for the number; by giving a high number they indicated that this was an airplane designed prior to 1962 which never became anything.

F-104 is Vietnam era, as far as I remember. But then the F-14 was developed in the 80s. I would certainly buy into the theory that the point is to confuse the enemy.

The F-104 is almost Korean war era; its maiden flight was in 1954, it entered active service in the late fifties and remained operational at least into the early eighties in some countries - my uncle was conscripted as a mechanic on the Starfighter for the Royal Norwegian Air Force in 1979-1980. They were phasing in the F-16 at the time, so probably retired the F-104 shortly thereafter.

> my uncle was conscripted as a mechanic on the Starfighter for the Royal Norwegian Air Force in 1979-1980

Fascinating! Did you get any cool tours as a child?

-I was two years old at the time and only know this from photo albums, I'm afraid; he got out of the air force at first opportunity and started working on the 727/737 for a commercial carrier instead.

I still never fail to get an interesting story or two from his AF days whenever we meet, though - trusting stuff like the Starfighter to a bunch of twenty-somethings is basically ASKING for lots of close shaves growing into very tall tales...

F-14 was developed in the late 60's and reached IOC in 1973.