| Number | Designation | Type |
|---|---|---|
| I. | PW | Pursuit, water cooled |
| II. | PN | Pursuit, night work |
| III. | PA | Pursuit, air cooled |
| IV. | PG | Pursuit, ground attack |
| V. | TP | Two-seat pursuit |
| VI. | GA | Ground attack |
| VII. | IL | Infantry liaison |
| VIII. | NO | Night observation |
| IX. | AO | Artillery observation |
| X. | CO | Corps observation |
| XI. | DB | Day bombardment |
| XII. | NBS | Night bombardment, short distance |
| XIII. | NBL | Night bombardment, long distance |
| XIV. | TA | Training, air cooled |
| XV. | TW | Training, water cooled |
| A | Ambulance | |
| M | Messenger | |
| R | Racer | |
| T | Transport |
| Designation | Type |
|---|---|
| A | Attack |
| AT | Advanced trainer |
| B | Bomber |
| C | Cargo |
| HB | Heavy bomber |
| LB | Light bomber |
| O | Observation |
| OA | Observation Amphibian |
| P | Pursuit |
| PT | Primary trainer |
This system was formally abandoned in 1948. But then 22 additional categories had been introduced, including:
| Designation | Type |
|---|---|
| AG | Attack Glider |
| BC | Basic Combat (trainer) |
| BG | Bomb Glider (glide bomb) |
| BQ | Bomb, guided |
| BT | Basic Trainer |
| BLR | Bomber, long range |
| BQ | Bomber, radio-controlled |
| CB | Cargo Bomber |
| CG | Cargo glider |
| CQ | Target controller |
| F | Photographic reconaissance |
| FG | Fuel-carrying glider |
| FM | Fighter, multiplace |
| G | Glider |
| G | Gyroplane |
| GB | Glide bomb |
| GT | Glide Torpedo |
| JB | Jet-propelled bomb |
| L | Liaison |
| O | Observation |
| OA | Observation, amphibian |
| OQ | Target, flying model |
| PB | Pursuit biplace |
| PG | Powered glider |
| PQ | Aerial target |
| R | Rotorcraft |
| TG | Training glider |
| UC | Utility cargo |
| FP | Reconaissance fighter |
X and Y letters were used as prefix to indicate prototypes and preseries aircraft. The prefix 'Y1' was used for aircraft bought with 'F-1' funds instead of normally allocated money. The letter Z was used for obsolete aircraft. In some cases, R (meaning 'restricted' was also used for this purpose. Some experimental aircraft had an 'E' prefix, meaning 'Exempt', instead of the more common 'X'.
| Designation | Type |
|---|---|
| VZ | VTOL experimental |
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PUBLICATION 4120.15-L MISSION, DESIGN, AND SERIES SYSTEM (MDS)
The current military vehicle designation system for military aircraft was introduced as a standard for all services in 1962. It is used for three purposes:
XXXX-...X (-..-XX)
where X indicates a letter, and . indicates a number. Not all letters are used all the time.
1) AIRCRAFT DESIGNATIONS: Starting at the first dash in the designation above, and moving to the LEFT, we encounter: VEHICLE TYPE: It indicates the type of vehicle at hand, e.g. helicopter, V/STOL. For normal aircraft, this designator is NOT used. (Example: the SH-2F uses the H to indicate it is a helicopter. The F-16A is a regular aircraft, and does not have a vehicle type designator). G - Glider H - Helicopter S - Spaceplane V - VTOL/STOL Z - Lighter than air BASIC MISSION: This is the most important designator. It indicates the primary design task of the aircraft. (Example: The B-1B uses a B because it is a bomber). A - Attack B - Bomber C - Cargo/ transport E - Special electronic installation F - Fighter O - Observation P - Patrol R - Reconnaissance: ER - Electronic Reconnaissance SR - Strategic Reconnaissance TR - Tactical Reconnaissance S - Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) T - Trainer U - Utility X - Research MODIFIED MISSION: Indicates the vehicle has been modified for a specific mission. Only one modified mission symbol is allowed. The modified mission symbol precedes the basic mission symbol. A - Attack C - Cargo/ transport D - Drone control E - Special electronic installation F - Fighter H - Search and Rescue (SAR) K - Tanker (from Kerosine tanker) L - Cold weather M - Multi-mission O - Observation P - Patrol Q - Drone R - Reconnaissance S - Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) T - Trainer U - Utility V - Staff/ VIP transport W - Weather STATUS PREFIX: Indicates that the vehicle is not standard due to tests, modifications, or experiments. This prefix precedes the modified and basic mission symbols. G - Permanently grounded J - Special test temporary N - Special test permanent X - Experimental Y - Prototype Z - Planning Returning to the first dash, and moving RIGHT, we encounter: DESIGN NUMBER: Supposedly in sequential order, it indicates the model aircraft within the basic mission category. For example, C-20D, C-21A, C-22A, C-23B, EC-24A, VC-25A, C-26A, C-27A, etc. Obviously, the order is not always sequential, e.g. F-23, F-111, F-117. SERIES: Indicates alphabetically major modifications to the original design, which is indicated by the A. For example, the F-16B is a major modification of the F-16A. I and O are skipped. Then we officially encounter another dash, and two more designators. These are not used very often, however, and are not always indicated on the aircraft. Moving to the right from the dash, we find: BLOCK NUMBER: Indicates the block of identical aircraft to which the aircraft belongs. (another dash) MANUFACTURER IDENTIFICATION CODE: Indicates the manufacturer. Let's take an example: NKC-135A ||| | | Status prefix ----------------------------+|| | | || | | Modified mission --------------------------+| | | | | | Basic mission ------------------------------+ | | | | Design number ---------------------------------+ | | Series ------------------------------------------+ Sometimes, the block number and manufacturer code are added to the designation: F-4G-43-MC | || | | Basic mission ----------------------------+ || | | || | | Design number ------------------------------+| | | | | | Series --------------------------------------+ | | | | Block number ----------------------------------+ | | Manufacturer--------------------------------------+ 2) GUIDED MISSILES, ROCKETS, BOOSTERS, AND SATTELITES: Starting at the first dash in the designation above, and moving to the LEFT, we encounter: VEHICLE TYPE: Indicates the type of (unmanned) vehicle. B - Booster M - Guided missile or drone N - Probe R - Rocket S - Satellite BASIC MISSION: This is the most important designator. It indicates the primary design task of the vehicle. C - Cargo/ transport D - Decoy E - Electronic or communication G - Surface attack I - Intercept aerial or space L - Launch detection or surveillance M - Scientific/ calibration N - Navigation Q - Drone S - Space support T - Training U - Underwater attack W - Weather LAUNCH ENVIRONMENT: Type of launching platform. A - Air B - Multiple C - Coffin F - Individual G - Runway H - Silo stored L - Silo launched M - Mobile P - Soft pad R - Ship S - Space U - Underwater STATUS PREFIX: C - Captive D - Dummy J - Special test temporary M - Modified N - Special test permanent X - Experimental Y - Prototype Z - Planning The same rules as for aircraft apply to the rest of the designation, except for the block and manufacturer. This might be replaced by a CONFIGURATION NUMBER, which indicates a modification. Let's take an example: AIM-9L ||| || Launch environment -----------------------+|| || || || Basic mission -----------------------------+| || | || Vehicle type -------------------------------| || || Design number --------------------------------+| | Series ----------------------------------------+ 3) ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT: Starting at the first dash in the designation above, and moving to the LEFT, we encounter: PURPOSE: The primary task of this electronic equipment. A - Auxilary assemblies B - Bombing C - Communications D - Direction finding, recon, and/or surveillance E - Ejection and/or release G - Fire control or light finding H - Recording or reproducing K - Computing M - Maintenance or test assemblies N - Navigational aids Q - Special or combinations of purposes R - Receiving/ passive detecting S - Detecting and/or range bearing, search T - Transmitting W - Automatic flight or remote control X - Identification and recognition Y - Surveillance and control EQUIPMENT TYPE: A - Infrared or invisible light C - Carrier (wire) D - Radiac E - Nupac F - Photographic G - Telegraph or teletype I - Interphone or public address J - Electromechanical or inertial wire covered K - Telemetering L - Countermeasure M - Meteorological N - Sound in air P - Radar Q - Sonar and underwater sound R - Radio S - Special types, magnetic combination of types T - Telephone (wire) V - Visual or visible light W - Armament X - Facsimile or TV Y - Data processing PLATFORM/ INSTALLATION: A - Airborne (piloted aircraft) B - Underwater mobile (submarine) C - Air transportable D - Pilotless carrier F - Fixed (ground) G - General purpose use K - Amphibious M - Ground mobile P - Portable S - Water T - Ground transportable U - General utility assemblies V - Ground vehicular W - Water surface and underwater combination Z - Piloted and pilotless airborne combination JOINT SERVICE INDICATOR: AN - Joint services The same rules as for aircraft apply to the rest of the designation, except for the block and manufacturer. This might be replaced by a VARIABLE GROUPING, which indicates a modification. Let's take an example: AN/APG-68A | ||| || Approved for joint services -------------+ ||| || ||| || Installation ------------------------------+|| || || || Equipment type -----------------------------+| || | || Purpose -------------------------------------+ || || Design number ----------------------------------+| | Series ------------------------------------------+ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.2. The US Navy designation systems ------------------------------------ 1.2.1 Aircraft -------------- The aircraft designation system adopted by the USN was qualitatively different from that adopted by the Army, because not only the function of the aircraft but also its manufacturer was indicated. (A similar system was used by the Japanese Navy.) Designations were built as follows: 1) One or two function letters. The F4F was a Fighter, the T4M a Torpedo bomber, the SB2C a Scout-Bomber, ... 2) A sequence number, indicating that the aircraft was the nth one with this function built by the manufacturer. The number 1 was not written. The fighters built by Grumman for the USN were thus labeled: FF, F2F, F3F, F4F, ... 3) A letter indicating the manufacturer. The F4F was built by Grumman, the F4U by Vought, the F4B by Boeing, ... 4) A dash. 5) A number indicating the subtype. The designation F4U-4 indicates that the aircraft is the fourth subtype of the F4U. 6) Optionally, a letter to indicate minor changes. The F4U-1A was a F4U-1 with a raised cabin and improved cockpit glazing. There was a short period at the introduction of the system when the manufacturer letter was placed first. Hence a designation as Vought UO, an observation aircrcaft (O) built by Vought (U), and a few others. Function letters and combinations were subject to changes, to simplify the system, make room for new categories, or adapt the system to changed practice. For example: shortly after WWII the USN abandoned the TB, BF and SB designations for a simplified A designation, indicating the replacement of specialized torpedo and dive bombers by all-round attack aircraft. A Attack A Ambulance BF Fighter bomber F Fighter G Utility transport H Ambulance HC Transport helicopters HJ Utility helicopter (?) HN Utility helicopter (?) HO Observation helicopter HR Transport helicopter HS ASW helicopter HT Training helicopter HU Utility helicopter J Utility transport JR Utility transport LB Bomb Glider (unmanned, of course) LN Training glider M Observation / Multi-role N Trainer O Observation OS Observation / Scout P Patrol PB Patrol Bomber R Racer R Transport SB Scout bomber (dive bomber) SF Scout Torpedo bomber SN Scout trainer SO Scout / Observation T Trainer TB Torpedo bomber TD Target drone? Unmanned aircraft. TS Torpedo bomber / Scout U Utility W AEW The X was a prefix applied to prototypes. Manufacturer letters were not always unique, nor always the same for one manufacturer. The USN manipulated the system to bring numerous manufacturers in line with only 26 letters, or more correctly only 23 because it didn't use all. A = Brewster F2A Buffalo General Aviation XFA Noorduyn JA Norseman Allied LRA B = Beechcraft GB Traveller Boeing F2B Budd RB Conestoga C = Curtiss F6C Hawk Cessna JRC Bobcat Culver TD2C D = Douglas A4D Skyhawk McDonnell F2D Phantom E = Piper HE Cessna OE-2 Birddog Hiller HOE Bellanca XSE-1 Edo XOSE-1 Pratt-Read (Gould) LBE Elias EM-2 F = Grumman F4F Wildcat Fairchild SBF Helldiver G = Goodyear FG Corsair Great Lakes BG Eberhart XF2G-1 H = McDonnell FH Phantom Howard GH Nightingale Hall PH J = North American FJ Fury Berliner-Joyce F3J General Aviation PJ K = Fairchild J2K Forwarder Kaman HOK Keystone NK Pup L = Bell FL Airabonita Columbia XJL Loening OL M = General Motors (Eastern) F3M Bearcat Bell FM Airacuda Martin P4M Mercator N = Naval Aircraft Factory PBN Catalina Seversky FN Stinson RN Reliant O = Lockheed FO Lightning Piper UO P = Spartan NP-1 Piper XLNP Pitcairn OP Piasecki HUP Retriever Q = Fairchild R4Q flying Boxcar R = Ryan FR Fireball Interstate XTDR Ford RR Trimotor S = Stearman N2S Sikorsky HR2S Aeromarine FS Schweizer LNS T = Northrop FT Black Widow Timm N2T Tutor Taylorcraft LNT Grasshopper Temco TT-1 U = Chance-Vought F4U Corsair V = Lockheed P2V Neptune Vultee SNV W = Wright F3W Apache Waco JW Canadian Car & Foundry SBW Helldiver Y = Consolidated PBY Catalina Convair XFY pogo Stinson OY Sentinel Z = Wilford OZ 1.2.2 Ships, boats, and other vessels -------------------------------------
| AB | Crane Ship | |
| ABD | Advanced Base Dock | |
| ABSD | Advanced Base Sectional Dock | |
| AC | Collier | |
| ACS | Auxiliary Crane Ship | |
| AD | Destroyer Tender | |
| AE | Ammunition Ship | |
| AEFS | Fleet Replenishment Ship | |
| AF | Stores Ship | |
| AFD | Mobile Floating Dry Dock | |
| AFS | Fleet Stores Ship | |
| AG | Miscellaneous Auxiliary | |
| AGC | Amphibious Force Flagship | |
| AGDS | Launch Area Support Ship | |
| AGF | Command Ship | |
| AGL | Lighthouse Tender (Coast Guard) | |
| AGM | Missile Range Instrumentation Ship | |
| AGP | Motor Torpedo Boat Tender | |
| AGOR | Oceanographic Research Ship | |
| AGOS | Ocean Surveillance Ship | |
| AGS | Surveying Ship | |
| AGSS | Auxiliary Research/Experimental Submarine | |
| AGTR | Auxiliary Technical Reconaissance Ship | |
| AH | Hospital Ship | |
| AK | General Cargo Ship | |
| AKA | Attack Cargo Ship | |
| AKD | Deck-Hold Cargo Ship | |
| AKN | Net Cargo Ship | |
| AKR | Vehicle Cargo Ship | |
| AKS | General Stores Carho Ship | |
| AKV | Aircraft Ferry | |
| AL | Lightship (Coast Guard) | |
| AM | Fleet Minesweeper (steel) | |
| AMB | Base Minesweeper | |
| AMC | Coastal Minesweeper (wooden) | |
| AN | Net Laying Ship | |
| AO | Oiler | |
| AOE | Fast Combat Support Ship | |
| AOG | Gasoline Carrier / Tanker | |
| AOR | Replenishment Oiler | |
| AOT | Transport Oiler / Tanker | |
| AP | Troop Ship, non-landing | |
| APA | Attack Transport Ship | |
| APB | Barrack Ship, Self-Propelled | |
| APC | Small Coastal Transport | |
| APD | Fast Destroyer Transport | |
| APF | Adminstration Flagship | |
| APG | Supporting Gunnery Ship | |
| APH | Transport, Evacuation of Wounded | |
| APL | Auxiliary Personnel Light / Labour Transport Ship | |
| APM | Mechanized Artillery Transport | |
| APN | Non-Mechanized Artillery Transport | |
| APR | Rescue Transport | |
| APS | Transport Submarine | |
| APSS | Vehicle Transport Submarine | |
| AR | Repair Ship | |
| ARB | Repair Ship, Battle Damage | |
| ARC | Cable Repair/Laying Ship | |
| ARD | Floating Dry Dock | |
| ARD | Repair Dock, Concrete | |
| ARG | Repair Ship, Landing Craft / Repair Ship, Internal Combustion Engine | |
| ARH | Repair Ship, Hull | |
| ARL | Repair Ship, Landing Craft | |
| ARM | Repair Ship, Heavy Machinery | |
| ARS | Salvage Vessel | |
| ARV | Aviation Repair Vessel | |
| AS | Submarine Tender | |
| ASR | Surmarine Rescue Vessel | |
| ASSP | Auxiliary Transport Submarine | |
| AT | Tug | |
| ATA | Auxiliary Tug | |
| ATF | Oceangoing Fleet Tug | |
| ATO | Old Tug | |
| ATR | Recue Tug | |
| ATS | Salvage & Rescue Ship | |
| AV | Seaplane Tender | |
| AVC | Catapult Lighter | |
| AVD | Seaplane Tender (Destroyer) | |
| AVP | Seaplane Tender (Small) | |
| AVR | Aircraft Rescue Vessel | |
| AVS | Aviation Supply Ship | |
| AVT | Auxiliary Aircraft Transport | |
| AW | Distilling Ship | |
| AWK | Water Tanker | |
| AZ | Airship Tender (Lighter-Than-Air) | |
| BB | Battleship | |
| BC | Battlecruiser | |
| BCGN | Nuclear-powered Guided Missile Battlecruiser | |
| BRDM | Floating Dry Dock | |
| CA | Heavy Gun Cruiser | |
| CAG | Guided Missile Heavy Cruiser | |
| CB | Large Cruiser | |
| CC | Tactical Command Ship | |
| CG | Guided Missile Cruiser | |
| CGN | Nuclear-powered Guided Missile Cruiser | |
| CHG | Helicopter Cruiser with Guided Missiles | |
| CL | Light Cruiser | |
| CLAA | Light Anti-Aircraft Cruiser | |
| CLC | Task Fleet Command Ship | |
| CLG | Guided Missile Light Cruiser | |
| CLGN | Guided Missile Light Cruiser, Nuclear-powered | |
| CLK | Hunter-Killer Cruiser | |
| CM | Minelayer | |
| CMC | Minelayer, Coastal | |
| CONT | Container Ship | |
| CV | Aircraft Carrier | |
| CVA | Attack aircraft carrier | |
| CVAN | Attack aircraft carrier, nuclear powered. | |
| CVB | Large Aircraft Carrier | |
| CVE | Escort aircraft carrier. | |
| CVH | Helicopter Carrier | |
| CVHA | Assault Helicopter Transport | |
| CVHE | Escort Helicopter Aircraft Carrier. | |
| CVHG | Helicopter Carrier with guided missile armament. | |
| CVL | Light aircraft carrier. | |
| CVN | Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. | |
| CVS | Support (ASW) Aircraft Carrier. | |
| CVT | Training Aircraft Carrier | |
| CVU | Utility Aircraft Carrier | |
| DD | Destroyer | |
| DDE | Escort Destroyer | |
| DDG | Guided Missile Destroyer | |
| DDH | Helicopter Destroyer | |
| DDK | Hunter-Killer Destroyer | |
| DDR | Radar Picket Destroyer | |
| DE | Escort Destroyer | |
| DEC | Control Escort Ship | |
| DEG | Guided Missile Escort Ship | |
| DER | Radar Picket Escort Ship | |
| DL | Frigate | |
| DLG | Guided Missile Frigate | |
| DLGH | Guided Missile Frigate, Helicopter | |
| DLGN | Guided Missile Frigate, Nuclear-powered | |
| DM | Light Minelayer (Former Destroyers) | |
| DMS | Minesweeper, Fast (Former Destroyers) | |
| EDD | Experimental Destroyer | |
| EDE | Experimental Escort Ship | |
| FF | Frigate | |
| FFG | Guided Missile Frigate | |
| FFGH | Guided Missile Frigate, Helicopter | |
| FFH | Frigate, Helicopter | |
| FFL | Corvette | |
| IFS | Inshore Fire Support Ship | |
| IX | Unclassified Auxiliary | |
| IXS | Unclassified Auxiliary Submarine | |
| LASS | Launch Area Support Ship | |
| LCAC | Landing Craft, Air Cushioned | |
| LCC | Command Ship for Amphibious Operations | |
| LCI | Landing Craft, Infantry | |
| LCM | Landing Craft, Mechanized units | |
| LCP | Landing Craft, Personnel | |
| LCT | Landing Craft, Tank | |
| LCU | Landing Craft, Utility | |
| LCVP | Landing Craft, Vehicles and Personnel | |
| LHA | Helicopter Assault Ship | |
| LHD | Amphibious Assault Ship | |
| LKA | Amphibious Cargo Ship | |
| LPA | Amphibious Transport | |
| LPD | Amphibious Transport Dock | |
| LPH | Amphibious Assault Ship | |
| LPSS | Amphibious Transport Submarine | |
| LS | Landing Ship | |
| LSD | Landing Ship, Dock | |
| LSI | Landing Ship, Infantry | |
| LSM | Landing Ship, Medium | |
| LSMR | Landing Ship, Medium, Rockets | |
| LST | Landing Ship, Tank | |
| LSU | Landing Ship, Utility | |
| LVT | Landing Vehicle, Tracked | |
| MCM | Mine Countermeasures Ship | |
| MHC | Coastal Mine Hunter | |
| ML | Minelayer | |
| MS | Minesweeper | |
| MSB | Minesweeping Boat | |
| MSH | Minesweeper, | |
| MSO | Minesweeper, Ocean | |
| MV | Merchant Vessel | |
| PBR | Patrol Boat, River | |
| PC | Patrol Corvette | |
| PCE | Escort Patrol Corvette | |
| PCS | Patrol Corvette, Minesweeping | |
| PF | Patrol Frigate | |
| PG | Patrol Gunboat | |
| PGH | Patrol Gunboat, Hydrofoil | |
| PGM | Patrol Gunboat, Motor | |
| PHM | Missile-armed Patrol Hydrofoil. | |
| PM | Patrol Missile Boat | |
| PT | Torpedo Boat | |
| PTG | Torpedo Boat, guided missile armament | |
| PTM | Missile-armed Torpedo Boat | |
| PY | Patrol Vessel (Converted Yacht) | |
| PYC | Coastal Patrol Vessel (Converted Yacht) | |
| SC | Submarine Chaser (Wooden) | |
| SM | Minelayer Submarine | |
| SS | Submarine | |
| SSA | Cargo Submarine | |
| SSB | Ballistic Missile Submarine | |
| SSBN | Nuclear-powered Ballistic Missile Submarine | |
| SSG | Guided Missile Submarine | |
| SSGN | Nuclear-powered Guided Missile Submarine | |
| SSK | Hunter-Killer Submarine | |
| SSKN | Hunter-Killer Submarine, nuclear powered | |
| SSN | Nuclear-powered (attack) Submarine | |
| SSO | Oiler Submarine | |
| SSP | Vehicle Transport Submarine | |
| SSR | Radar Picket Submarine | |
| SSRN | Radar Picket Submarine, nuclear powered | |
| TANK | Tanker | |
| TRAN | Transport | |
| YA | Ash Lighter | |
| YAG | District Auxiliary, Miscellaneous | |
| YC | Open Lighter | |
| YCF | Car Float (Railroad) | |
| YCK | Open Cargo Lighter | |
| YCV | Aircraft Transportation Lighter | |
| YD | Floating Derrick | |
| YDG | Degaussing Vessel | |
| YDT | Diving Tender | |
| YE | Ammunition Tender | |
| YF | Covered Lighter | |
| YFB | Ferry Boat / Launch | |
| YFD | Floating Dry Dock | |
| YF | Torpedo Transportation Lighter | |
| YG | Garbage Lighter | |
| YH | Ambulance Boat | |
| YHB | House Boat | |
| YHT | Heating Scow | |
| YLA | Open Landing Lighter | |
| YM | Dredge | |
| YMS | Motor Mine Sweeper | |
| YN | Net Tender | |
| YNG | Gate Vessel | |
| YNT | Net Tender, Tuc Class | |
| YO | Fuel Oil Barge | |
| YOG | Gasoline Barge | |
| YOS | Oil Storage Barge | |
| YP | District Patrol Craft | |
| YPD | Pile Driver (Floating) | |
| YPK | Pontoon Storage Barge | |
| YR | Floating Workshop | |
| YRD | Floating Workshop, Drydock | |
| YS | Stevedoring Barge | |
| YSD | Seaplane Wrecking Derrick | |
| YSP | Salvage Pontoon | |
| YSR | Sludge Removal Barge | |
| YTB | Large Harbour Tug | |
| YTL | Little Harbour Tug | |
| YTM | Medium Harbour Tug | |
| YTT | Torpedo Testing Barge | |
| YW | Water Barge |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. United Kingdom / The British Empire
--------------------------------------
2.1 Aircraft
------------
2.1.1 The 1918 Designation system.
----------------------------------
The 1918 system was based on the meaning of names as codewords. It was used
until 1927. Up to 1921 alliteration of aircraft name and Manufacturer was
obligatory; later this was often continued. The following information is
>from an article in Aeroplane Monthly, November 1994:
Landplanes
Fighter Zoological, Vegetable, Mineral (terrestial)
Single-seater Insects, birds and reptiles
Two-seater Mammals
Three-seater Flowers
Four-seater Shrubs
Five-seater Trees
Over five seats Metals, Rocks
Bomber Geographical (inland)
Single-Seater Italian towns
Two-seater British towns
Three-seater French towns
More than 3, under 5 ton Towns in colonies and dependencies
5 to 10 tons Towns in Asia
10 to 15 tons Towns in Africa
Heavy Armoured Machines Proper Names (male)
Under 2 tons Mythological Greek
2 to 5 tons Mythological Roman
5 to 10 tons Mythological Eastern and Egyptian
10 to 20 tons Mythological Northern Europe
Seaplanes
Fighter Zoological (marine)
Single-seater River fish
Two-seater Saltwater fish
Three-seater Shellfish
Bomber Geographical (seaboard)
Single-Seater Italian towns
Two-seater British towns
Three-seater French towns
More than 3, under 5 ton Towns in colonies and dependencies
5 to 10 tons Towns in Asia
10 to 15 tons Towns in Africa
Patrol and anti-submarine Proper Names (female)
Under 2 tons Mythological Greek
2 to 5 tons Mythological Roman
5 to 10 tons Mythological Eastern and Egyptian
10 to 20 tons Mythological Northern Europe
2.1.2 The 1927 RAF Naming System
--------------------------------
Category Names beginning with...
1. Fighters, land F
2. Fighters, fleet N (maritime significance)
3. Bombers, single-engined P
4. Bombers, multi-engined B
5. Bombers, torpedo M (maritime significance)
6. Army co-operation A
7. Spotter & reconaissance S
8. Coastal reconaissance R
9. Troop carriers C
10. Training aircraft T
11. General Purpose Aircraft G
12. Fighter Reconaissance O (maritime significance)
2.1.3 The 1932 RAF Naming System
--------------------------------
1. Fighters Speed, Activity, Aggressiveness
2. Bombers
(a) Day Animals (except felidae)
(b) Army co-operation Classical names
(c) Night Inland town of the Empire, or towns
associated with the RAF.
(d) General Purpose British historical names
(e) Transport General towns and seaports
of the British Empire.
3. Flying Boats Coastal towns and seaports
of the British Empire.
4. Fleet Air Arm
(a) Fighters Mythological names
(b) Fighter reconaissance Seabirds
(c) Torpedo Bombers Oceans, seas and estuaries
(d) Spotter reconaissance Marine animals
5. Trainers Tuition, or places of education
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Germany
----------
3.1 Aircraft
------------
3.1.1 Designation system for WWI aircraft
-----------------------------------------
During WWI, German aircraft received a designation consisting of
(1) the name of the manufacturer, (2) a function letter, and (3)
a Roman number. The three parts of the designation were needed to
get an unique designation. For example, there was a Fokker E III,
but also a Pfalz E III and a Siemens-Schuckert E III.
The meaning of the function letters is listed below. During the war,
there were some changes. The most important one is that the letter 'D'
was at first only used for biplane fighters, while 'E' was used for
monoplane fighters ans 'Dr' for triplane fighters. At the end of the war,
the 'D' designation was used for single-seat fighters, even if they
were monoplanes. Hence the Fokker E V was renamed Fokker D VIII.
A unarmed reconaissance aircraft
B two-seater, with the observer seating in front of the pilot.
C two-seater, with the observer in the aft cockpit.
CL fast two-seater, multi-role aircraft
D 'Doppeldecker', biplane. Later: fighter, in general
E 'Eindecker', monoplane.
Dr 'Dreidecker', triplane.
G 'Grosskampfflugzeug', bomber
J ground-attack aircraft
K 'Kampfflugzeug', later redisgnated with a G.
R 'Riesenflugzeug', long-range bomber.
3.1.2 Designation system for WWII aircraft
------------------------------------------
The German WWII designation system used the first two letters of the
manufacturer's name (Ju for Junkers, Fw for Focke-Wulf, ...) and an
unique number. Numbers were indeed supposed to be unique, and usually
a block of numbers was allocated to a manufacturer. However, sometimes
numbers were exchanged by manufacturers, and sometimes they were used
twice if they had been used for an unsuccessful type. There were also
cases in which aircraft designs were moved from one manufacturer to
another; they usually, but not always, retained their number.
There was a tendency to use variations of the first digit to related
or similar aircraft. For example, Messerschmitt produced a the Bf 110,
the Me 210 which was intended to replaced it, the Me 310 design which
was an improved Me 210, and the Me 410, which was also an improved
Me 210.
Versions were distinguished by capital letters and subdived with
numbers, e.g. Ju 88G-6. The number 0 was usually used for pre-series
aircraft. Sometimes lowercase letters were added to indicate minor
variations, eg. Me 262A-1a. Prototypes had the letter V (for
Versuchsflugzeug) and a sequential number, eg. Bf 109 V23.
Aircraft could also be modified with a 'Umbrust' or 'Bausatze' set or
be tropicalized; eg. a Bf 109G-2/U1 was a Bf 109G-2 fitted with a
reversible pitch prop, an Bf 109G-2/R1 had a 500kg bomb carrier
fitted, and an Bf 109E-4/Trop had a dust filter installed.
3.1.3 Translations of German names
----------------------------------
Here are some translations of German aircraft names:
Bachstelze Wagtail
Blitz Lightning
Drache Dragon, Kite
Falke Falcon
Floh Flea
Gelber Hund Yellow Dog
Greif Griffon
Hagelkorn Hailstone
Hornisse Hornet
Kadett Cadet
Kauz Owl
Kleinstjager Very small fighter
Komet Comet
Mistel Mistletoe
Natter Viper
Pfeil Arrow
Stieglitz Goldfinch
Storch Stork
Stosser Bird of Prey
Taifun Typhoon
Taube Dove
Wal Whale
Weihe Kite (bird)
Wiking Viking
Zwilling Twin
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Japan
--------
4.1 Aircraft
------------
4.1.1 WWII Aircraft designation systems
----------------------------------------
The designations of Japanese military aircraft are simple; the situation
becomes complicated only because the Navy and the Army each had two
systems.
Officially, Japanese naval aircraft were indicated by a description of
their function and a number, according to the year the production
started. The A6M was called Carrier-borne fighter Type 0 because in
entered service in the Japanese year 2600 (1940). A model number was
used to indicate the versions. From the mid-thirties two-digit model
numbers were used; the first digit indicated the airframe, the second
digit the engine. In 1943 the numbering system was abandoned, because it
was too informative about the year of service entry of an aircraft. From
then aircraft were referred to by their names.
In the lates 20's the Imperial Japanese Navy introduced a short
designation system for its aircraft, very similar to that of its
oppononent, the USN. This system had:
* A function letter
* A sequential number for aircaft with this function letter. Numbers
are sequential in the sense that a number is assigned to
each requirement; aircraft have the same numbers (E11A, E11K) if
they were built to the same requirement.
* A manufacturer letter.
* A number to indicate the subtype
* Sometimes a letter to indicate a minor subtype.
* If a version of the aircraft was developed with another function,
the appropiate letter was apppended to the designation, with a dash.
Function letters used by the Japanese Navy:
A Carrier-borne fighter
B Carrier-borne (Torpedo) bomber
C Reconaissance, wheeled undercarriage
D Carrier-borne Dive bomber
E Reconaissance seaplane
F Observation seaplane
G Land-based bomber
H Flying boat
J Land-based fighter
K Trainer
L Transport
M Special seaplane
MX Special purpose
N Fighter seaplane
P Bomber
Q Patrol
R Land-based reconaissance
S Night fighter
Manufacturer letters used by the Japanese Navy:
A Aichi
D Showa
K Kawanishi
M Mitsubishi
N Nakajima
P Nihon
V Seversky
W Watanabe
W Kyushu
Y Yokosuka (Naval Arsenal)
The official designation system of the Japanes Army also used year
numbers, similar to the IJN system except that the year 2600 was
referred to as year 100, not 0. Simple model numbers were used with
alphabetical suffixes.
The Japanese Army from 1932 onwards numbered aircraft that had been
built to its requirements in the 'Ki' (Kitai, airframe) series with a
simple sequential system -- until 1944, when anomalies were introduced
for security reasons. An exception was made later for gliders, that were
given 'Ku' (Guraida) numbers. Aircraft that were not designed to an Army
requirement were not given Ki numbers, as the Ka-1 and the LO. Different
versions of an aircraft were indicated with Roman numerals, and minor
modifications were indicated with the Ko, Otsu,... sequence
of suffixes. But a major modififaction would be indicated with a Kaizo
symbol, normally transliterated as KAI.
The letter sequence used for minor modifications is Ko, Otsu, Hei, Tei,
Bo, Ki, Ko, Shin, Jin and Ki -- the first and seven are different
characters in writing. They have no real alphabetic or numerical
significance and are more akin to North, South, East, West in idea. Only
the first four were commonly used.
4.1.2 Allied Code Names
-----------------------
List of allied code names for Japanese WWII aircraft. General rules (not
always followed) were:
* Fighters and reconaissance seaplanes have boys' names.
* Bombers, dive-bombes, torpedo-bombers, seaplanes and
reconaissance aircraft were given girls' names.
* Transport aircraft were given girls' names beginning with T.
* Trainers were given the names of trees.
* Gliders were given the names of birds.
Abdul Nakajima Ki.27 (Unofficial)
Adam Nakajima SKT-97. Did not exist.
Alf Kawanishi E7K
Ann Mitsubishi Ki.30
Babs Mitsubishi C5M
Babs Mitsubishi Ki.15
Belle Kawanishi H3K
Ben Nagoya-Sento KI-001. Did not exist.
Bess Heinkel He 111. Not in Japanese service.
Betty Mitsubishi G4M
Betty Mitsubishi G6M
Bob Aichi 97 seapleane. Did not exist.
Bob Kawasaki Ki-28
Cedar Tachikawa Ki.17
Cherry Yokosuka H5Y
Clara Tachikwawa Ki.70
Claude Mitsubishi A5M
Cypress Kyushu K9W
Dave Nakajima E8N
Dick Seversky A8V
Dinah Mitsubishi Ki.46
Doc Messerschmitt Bf 110. Not in Japanese service.
Doris Mitsubishi B-97. Did not exist.
Edna Mitsubishi Ki.71
Emily Kawanishi H8K
Eva Not a military aircraft.
Eve Not a military aircraft.
Frances Yokosuka P1Y Ginga / Kyokko
Frank Mitsubihi TK-4. Did not exist.
Frank Nakajima Ki.84 Hayate
Fred Focke-Wulf Fw 190. Not in Japanese service.
Gander Kokusai Ku-8.
George Kawanishi N1K1-J and N1K2-J
Glenn Yokosuka E14Y
Goose Kokusai Ku-8
Grace Aichi B7A Ryusei
Gus Nakajima AT-27. Did not exist.
Hamp Mitsubishi A6M Reisen with clipped wing tips.
Hap Mitsubishi A6M Reisen with clipped wing tips, renamed 'Hamp'.
Hank Aichi E10A
Harry Mitsubishi TK-4. Did not exist.
Helen Nakajima Ki.49 Donryu
Hickory Tachikawa Ki.54
Ida Tachikawa Ki.36
Ida Tachikawa Ki.55
Ione Aichi AI-104. Did not exist.
Irene Junkers Ju 87. Not in Japanese service.
Irving Nakajima J1N Gekko
Jack Mitsubishi J2M Raiden
Jake Aichi E13A
Janice Junkers Ju 88. Not in Japanese service.
Jean Yokosuka B4Y
Jerry Heinkel He 112.
Jill Nakajima B6N
Jim Nakajima Ki.43 (unofficial)
Joe TK-19. Did not exist.
Joyce Tachikawa. Did not exist.
Judy Yokosuka D4Y
Julia Type 97 heavy bomber. Did not exist. (Was Ki.48)
June Seaplane version of Aichi D3A. Did not exist.
(Was E13A)
Kate Nakajima B5N
Kate 61 Mitsubishi B5M
Laura Aichi E11A
Lily Kawasaki Ki.48
Liz Nakajima G5N
Loise Mitsubishi Ki-2
Lorna Kyushu Q1W Tokai
Louise Mitsubishi Ki-2
Luke Mitsubishi J4M
Mabel Mitsubishi B5M
Mavis Kawanishi H6K
Mike Messerschmitt Bf 109. Not in Japanese service.
Millie Vultee VG-11. Not in Japanese service.
Myrt Nakajima C6N Saiun
Nate Nakajima Ki.27
Nell Mitsubishi G3M
Nick Kawasaki Ki.45 Toryu
Norm Kawanishi E15K Shiun
Norma Type 97 light bomber, did not exist. (Was Ki-15)
Oak Kawanishi K10W
Omar Suzukaze 20. Did not exist.
Oscar Nakajima Ki.43 Hayabusa
Pat Tachikawa Ki.74
Patsy Tachikawa Ki.74
Paul Aichi E16A Zuiun
Peggy Mitsubishi Ki.67
Perry Kawasaki Ki.10
Pete Mitsubishi F1M
Pine Mitsubishi K3M
Randy Kawasaki Ki.102
Ray Mitsubishi Type 1. Did not exist. (Was A6M)
Rex Kawanishi N1K Kyofu
Rita Nakajima G8N Renzan
Rob Kawasaki Ki.64
Rufe Nakajima A6M, floatplane version of the A6M 'Zeke'.
Ruth Fiat BR 20
Sally Mitsubishi Ki.21
Sam Mitsubishi A7M Reppu
Slim Watanabe E9W
Sonia Mitsubishi Ki.51
Spruce Tachikawa Ki.9
Stella Kokusai Ki.76
Susie Aichi D1A
Tabby Showa / Nakajima L2D.
Tess Douglas DC-2
Thalia Kawasaki Ki.56
Thelma Tachikawa LO
Theresa Kokusai Ki.59
Thora Nakajima Ki.34
Tina Mitsubishi L3Y
Toby Lockheed 14
Tojo Nakajima Ki.44 Shoki
Tony Kawasaki Ki.61 Hien
Topsy Kawasaki Ki.57
Trixie Junkers Ju 52/3m. Not in Japanese service.
Trudy Focke Wulf Fw 200. Not in Japanese service.
Val Aichi D3A
Willow Yokosuka K5Y
Zeke Mitsubishi A6M Reisen
4.1.3 Translations of Japanese Names
------------------------------------
List of Japanese names of aircraft, aircraft carriers, and engines.
Akikusa Autumn Grass
Amagi Castle in the Sky (Also a mountain. Amagi was laid
down as a battleship)
Amakaze
Asakaze Morning Wind
Atsuta
Byakko White Light
Chitose Thousand Years
Chiyoda Thousand Generations
Chuyo Middle Sea
Denko Lightning Bolt
Donryu Storm Dragon
Fugaku
Funryu Raging Dragon
Gekko Moonlight
Ginga Milky Way
Hayabusa Peregrine Falcon
Hayate Gale
Hien Swallow
Hikari
Hiryu Blue Dragon
Hiyo Bright Sea
Homare Honour
Hosho Flying Bird
Jinrai Thunderclap
Junyo Deep Sea
Kamikaze Divine Wind
Karigane Wild Goose
Kasei Mars
Katsuragi Eternity
Kayo Eternal Sea
Keiun Beautiful Cloud
Kikka Orange Blossom
Kinsei Golden Star
Kotobuki Congratulation
Kyofu Mighty Wind
Kyokko Aurora
Mamoru Protector
Manazuru Crane
Momiji Maple
Myojo Venus
Nankai South Sea
Nanzan Southern Mountain
Ohtori Phoenix
Ohka Cherry Blossom
Raiden Thunderbolt
Reisen Zero Fighter, contraction of 'Rei Shiki Sentoki'
Renzan Mountain Range
Reppu Hurricane
Ryuho Mythological Dragon
Ryujo Sacred Dragon
Ryusei Shooting Star
Saiun Painted Cloud
Sakae Prosperity
Seiran Mountain Haze
Shoho Flying Bird
Shoki Demon Queller
Shiden Violet Lightning
Shinden Magnificent Lightning
Shinyo Holy Sea
Shinzan Mountain Recess
Shiragiku White Chrysanthemum
Shiun Violet Cloud
Shokaku Flying Crane
Shusui Sword Stroke
Soryu Flying Dragon
Suisei Comet
Taiho Mythological Bird
Taiyo Spirit of the Ocean
Tempu
Tenzan Heavenly Mountain
Tokai Eastern Sea
Toryu Dragon Slayer
Tsurugi
Unryu Dragon in the clouds
Unyo Sea of Clouds
Zuiho Auspicious Bird
Zuikaku Auspicious Crane
Zuisei Holy Star
Zuiun Auspicious Cloud
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. China
--------
5.1 Aircraft
------------
CJ = Chujiao basic trainer PT for export
H = Hong bomber B for export
J = Jian fighter F for export
JJ = Jianjiao fighter/trainer FT for export
Q = Qiang attack A for export
SH = Shuihong maritime bomber PS for export
Y = Yun transport
Z = Zhi vertical, i.e. helicopter
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Sweden
---------
6.1 Aircraft
------------
A = Attack
B = Bomb
Fpl = Flygplan (aeroplane; used for multirole light aircraft)
Hkp = Helikopter
J = Jakt (fighter)
S = Spaning (reconnaissance)
SF = Spaning foto (photographic reconnaissance)
SH = Spaning havsövervakning (maritime reconnaissance)
Sk = Skol (trainer)
T = Torped (torpedo bomber) (obsolete)
Tp = Transport
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Russia / The Soviet Union
----------------------------
7.1 Aircraft
------------
7.1.1 Before WWII
-----------------
List of the pre-WWII designation system for Soviet aircraft, as supplied
by mike@aloysius.equinox.gen.nz (Mike Campbell):
A Autogyro
ARK Arctic Coastal Recce
B Bomber "Bombar"
BB Short-range bomber
Bsh Armoured attacker
DAR Long-range arctic recce
DB Long-range bomber
DI 2-seater fighter
DIS Twin engined escort fighter
I interceptor Istrebitel
I/PI single seat fighter
KOR ship-borne recce
M Seaplane
MA amphibian
MBR short-range maritime recce
MDR long-range maritime recce
MI fighter seaplane
MK armoured seaplane
MP transport seaplane
MR recce seaplane
MTB Maritime heavy bomber
MU trainer seaplane
P mailplane
PB Dive bomber
PL transport
PS mail/passenger
G paratroop transport
R recce
ROM open sea recce
SB high speed bomber
Sch low level attacker
SchR attack fighter-recce
SPB fast dive bomber
TB heavy bomber
Tsh Heavy attack fighter
U primary trainer
UT Basic trainer, "Uchebnotrenirovochny"
UTI fighter trainer
VI High altitude fighter
VIT Assaulter
VT supervised design
Yu Junkers aircraft
V Airship
7.1.2 Type Number System
------------------------
The type number system was used by the USAF to identify Soviet aircraft
>from 1947 to 1954. A series of numbers was allocated to Soviet aircraft
or missiles.
Type Aircraft / Missile
---- ------------------
1 MiG-9 'Fargo'
2 Yak-15 'Feather'
3 La-150
4 La-152
5 La-156
6 La-160
7 Yak-19
8 Su-9 (first aircraft of this name)
9 Tu-12
10 Il-22
11 I-270
12 Tu-73
13 ?
14 MiG-15 'Fagot'
15 La-168
16 Yak-17 'Feather'
17 Su-11
18 Su-15
19 KS-1 'AS-1 Kennel'
20 MiG-17 'Fresco'
21 La-15 'Fantail'
22 Tu-6
23 Su-12
24 Yak-14 'Mare'
25 Ts-25 'Mist'
26 Yak-17UTI 'Magnet'
27 Il-28 'Beagle'
28 Yak-23 'Flora'
29 MiG-15UTI 'Midget'
30 Il-28U 'Mascot'
31 Tu-85 'Barge'
32 Mi-1 'Hare'
33 Be-8 'Mole'
34 Be-6 'Madge'
35 Tu-14 'Bosun'
36 Mi-14 'Hound'
37 M-4 'Bison'
38 Yak-24 'Horse'
39 Tu-16 'Badger'
40 Tu-95 'Bear'
7.1.3 List of NATO Codenames
----------------------------
List of NATO designations of Soviet equipment. I wish to thank
Ian Woodrow