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The designation of U.S. military aircraft 1919-1960 It is a very complex history. Plain to its origins, the designation system of U.S. military aircraft, revised, expanded and changed over the years is now proving less understandable. The grouping of similar items is fit for human intelligence and if this truth was characteristic, one might ask why that prompted the Americans to develop similar system, irrational and whose usefulness qu'existante well, could rightly be discussed. In addition, unmet probably its complexity, they still use a second method of designation own Navy and manufacturers specify their products after they their system. A cryptographer would pale in. The German method of appointment was clearly more sensible. Two particles, one literal indicating the manufacturer and other digital, formed the name of the aircraft, and the aircraft had a name. In the USA the famous Douglas DC-3 responded to 12 different names! (C-41, C-47, C-48, C-49, C-50, C-51, C-52, C-53, C-68 R4D CG-17 DC-3). However, it is difficult to compare these two systems that are based on another practical design. The German perpetual inventory system, so was above all a ranking system. Americans preferred a system of designation. Indeed, the mere reading of the U.S. designation provides instant curriculum vitae of the aircraft to which it is applied and this is perhaps the only advantage of this method. It shall in no way mentioned in this article of the designation system of the U.S. Navy. It is known that U.S. military aircraft production is encompassed by three independent departments: U.S. Navy, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, which was created in 1947. Before that date, only existed. U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) and the U.S.. Navy (USN) whose rivalry has not ceased to exist. When the armed forces were divided into separate departments, the U.S. Air Force took the opportunity to emphasize that it alone had the right to buy and use armed or mass greater than 5000 lbs aircraft which reduced the Army using helicopters and light aircraft without weapons. The creation of the U.S. Air Force back to August 1, 1907 under the title of Army Signal Corps. This name became, in June 1918, the Army Air Service, which will, in 1919, the first designation system based on that in force in the French aviation at that time reported by the American volunteer pilots who took part in the first war World. The French designation used a suffix indicating the type of the aircraft. For example, we know that the Nieuport 17C1 was a single-seater fighter and the Nieuport 80 was a two E2 training. July 2, 1926, the Army Air Service became the U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC), designation itself changed June 20, 1941 in U.S. Army Air Force. Designation systems evolve independently of these changes

The system of 1919 Very simple, it has a literal index determined by the established code and informing the mission of the aircraft. This index is always followed by a number of arithmetic progression with one that allows the distinction between two models qualified for the same mission. Example: Martin Tl, LWF Fokker T-2 T-3 three qualified for ttransport different models. U Each model version is represented by a letter suffix following the alphabetical ordr. Example: Martin T-1, T-1A Martin, Martin T-1B three versions of the same model. The letters O and I are not used I ndices literal educating mission aircraft

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It was only in 1924 that was introduced the X prefix indicating that the aircraft is under special status. Example in the table above can analyze some designation of 1919 1. Boeing PW-9D: Was the ninth (9) fighter motor cooled by water (PW) produced for the Army Air Service from the commissioning of the system in 1919. The suffix D we stated that the airplane is in its fifth release. Note that the PW-9 tut built in the following forms PW9 (engine Curtiss D-12), PW-9A (engine Curtiss D-12C), PW-9B (the Curtiss D-12D), PW-9C (even PW-9D engine but narrower fuselage) (same engine but changed dimensions) 2. Gallaudet DB-1B: First Day bomber (DB) produced for the Army Air Service for the implementation of the system in 1919. This is the third version of this plane (B).

The system of 1924 revised in 1941 The initial system was completely changed in 1924 because of the increasing number of different types can not be spread in the 20 categories described above aircraft. On the eve of the outbreak of war the United States, several innovations were introduced to meet the requirements demanded by the diversity of models of the U.S. aviation industry then beat all records of production. This resulted in the introduction of Block Numbers, the Manufacturer's Letters and a series of letter prefixes used to indicate a change in the original mission of the aircraft. In the basic list, a list of literal signs informing the mission of the aircraft, we distinguish three categories: aircraft, special equipment and gliders. Indices literal learning about the mission of the aircraft

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A plane can be placed temporarily under special status. This is particularly the case of experimental aircraft and prototypes. Prefix letters indicating a special status

The revision of the system in 1924, in 1941, first introduced a series of literal prefix indicating that a change had occurred in the original mission of the aircraft. A bomber, for example, could be converted into transport aircraft and fighter could very well be with a photographic material for recognition. Index mission was then preceded by a literal prefix that could, of course, be preceded by the prefix indicating a special status. Literal prefixes indicating a change in the initial mission

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From the same revision of 1941, the Block Numbers allowed to designate more accurately even different versions of the same model. As in the system in 1919, versions are represented by a letter suffix following the alphabetical order (B-2S, B-25A, B-25B, B-25C). The Block Number follows the suffix to distinguish a sub-release or release version. Composed of a number, it indicates mmineur change occurring in the construction of the aircraft: change of electronic equipment or equipment. The Block Number grows in multiples of 5 from 1. The intermediate numbers are reserved for special one or a small number of planes made by centers of changes in aviation changes. Here is an example: B-25A-1, 25A-B-5 and B-25A-10, three B-25A equipped differently. 25A-B-11 B-25A is a 10-modified by a modification center. These details can instantly know if the parts of this model are interchangeable with parts as another, which happens frequently in combat zones. The Block Nnmber itself is followed by a group of two letters representing, according to an established code, the manufacturer of the aircraft. Table of Manufacturer's Letters is given later. These elements form the full name of the aircraft. Here are three examples: 1.Republic P-47G-15-CU (Thunderbolt): We learn that the Thunderbolt is the 47th (47) model fighter plane (P) of the Code of 1924 and that this is its 8th release (G). The Blocfc Number 15 indicates that the P-47G was itself into four product versions (1, 5, 10 and 15). Its constructor is Curtiss (CU) licensee Republic. See list of Manufacturer's Letters. 2. YPT-10D: 10th (10) elementary trainer (PT) model in its 5th version of (D) in the prototype stage (Y). No Block Number or Manufacturer's Letters, the airplane prior to 1941. 3. XCG-4B-IT: Is the fourth model glider transport (CG) in its 3rd version (B) experimental (X) produced by Timm Aircraft (IT). See below. No Block Number as there are only a few copies of the experimental apparatus.

System 1948 revised in 1955 The last designation system has some elements of its predecessor in 1924. He reached the top of the complication. We divide into two parts: aircraft and missiles. The base particle is, as in the previous two chapters, intended to represent the mission of the aircraft. In this new system, the list of literal prefixes indicating a change in the mission of the aircraft is much more extensive and allows for countless combinations. Each model can be identified with greater precision. The auxiliary prefix special status takes place before the appointment formed. Indices literal learning about the mission of the aircraft

Literal prefixes indicating a change in the initial mission

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Letter prefixes for special status

Versions indicate, as in the previous two systems, using a literal suffix and Block Number. Please refer to Chapter II. The literal symbol, group of two letters, completes the identification of the plane: it is Mamrfacturer's Letters of which are listed below: Manufacturer's letters or symbols Manufacturers

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Concluding Remarks 1. The Post Index F (fighter) when he was set to replace the P index (Pursuit) did not change the numerical order attached to the latter index. The numerical progression has evolved independently replacing P by F. This remark also applies to the T index replaced in 1948, the indices AT, BT and PT. 2. Some designations require explanation: ZF and ZF-24A-24B: processed designations of attack A-24A and A-24B used as fighter aircraft under special status. They were redesignated in 1948 KB-20H: designation transform attack aircraft A-20 used under special status as a bomber. Redesignated in 1948. ZA-ZA-9 and 9A formerly CA-9 and 9A redesignated OA-1948.

Regulation registrations. The example is a North American F-100D-25-NA Super Sabre

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The designation system of missiles The missiles are designated according to the same principle as explained above. A literal index information mission of the craft. Two prefixes indicating a change in the original mission currently exist. It should be noted, however, that the numbers attached to the post index does not follow a specific order as the names of the current missiles come from the former designations transformation. The Boeing F-99 fighter unmanned, became the Boeing IM-99 in the establishment of a system of designation for missiles.

Indices literal learning about the mission of the spacecraft

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Literal prefixes indicating a change in the initial mission

Prefix letters indicating a special status

REGISTRATION OF AIRCRAFT USAF The registration of the USAF has four parts: the word USAF appearing on the fuselage in large letters, the blue and red roundel symbol of American military aviation, the serial is composed exclusively of numerals and presented on the drift of the aircraft and the Buzz or Buzz Number Marking is applied only to certain aircraft models. The serials or number of orders are renewed at the beginning of each fiscal year (July 1) and go to 001. However, they are not complete without adding to the numbers of the last digit of the fiscal year. Thus, the first aircraft built during the fiscal year 1952 will bring the serial in 2001 (figure 2 is the last digit of the 1952 vintage). A ten year old serial is preceded, to avoid confusion, the number 0. The serial 0-45601 44-5601 therefore read, but to read the 45601 serial 54-5601. Along with serials were introduced in 1945, the Buzz Markings for easy identification in a plane and with other benefits too. The Buzz Markings are reserved only aircraft in active service. Some prototypes were equipped in preparation for mass production but, following the cancellation of contracts, never carried the Buzz Markings that had been assigned to them. The Buzz Markings consist of two parts, one literal, the other three digital numbers that are none other than those ending SERiaI drift. . Literal portion is formed of a letter specific to the type of the plane and a second model-specific. Example: All fighters have a Buzz Marking whose first letter is F (Fighter). The Buzz Markings system has been repeatedly revised since 1945. Here are those who were awarded and corrections made in 1947, 1948, 1949 1952 and 1954. List of BUZZ MARKINGS and circumstances of each system review

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* BussMarkings have not b een used.

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