Date: Tue, 19 Oct 1993 00:15:54 -0400 From: "Dennis E. Sparks" Subject: Re: Type numbers for USN fighters Until reorganizing the numbering system in 1962, the USN alloted a type designation that encoded the primary function of the aircraft, the manufacturer, the number of aircraft designs of that function accepted from that manufacturer, and a version number. The first letter, or two letters, indicated the primary function(s) intended for the aircraft. Examples: B = bomber F = fighter O = observation P = patrol R = transport S = scout There was also a code letter assigned for each manufacturer. Examples: C = Curtiss M = General Motors D = Douglas U = Chance Vought F = Grumman V = Lockheed H = McDonnell Y = Consolidated J = North American These two designators were separated by a number to indicate how many aircraft designs from this manufacturer have been accepted for the purpose, with the number "1" normally not used. Another number, separated from the rest of the designation by a hyphen, indicated major improvements to the original design. An additional letter could be used to indicate minor improvements that didn't warrant a version change. Examples: SBD-3 = Scout Bomber, 1st SB design from Douglas, 3rd version F4F-4 = Fighter, 4th fighter type from Grumman, 4th version F6F = Fighter, 6th fighter type from Grumman, version not specified F4U-1D = Fighter, 4th fighter type from Chance Vought, 1st major version, fourth minor improvement PBY-5 = Patrol, 1st patrol aircraft from Consolidated, 5th version PV-1 = Patrol, 1st patrol design from Lockheed, 1st version In 1962, the system was overhauled. Aircraft in service at the time received a new designation that was as similar to their original designation as possible. The F4H became simply the F-4 (Phantom II), the A4D became the A-4 (Skyhawk), etc. An additional letter was added to indicate versions. The system was designed also to produce a common designation system for aircraft from the different branches of the US military, so some designators had to be changed completely. The designation R4D was dropped in favor of the USAF designation of C-47, for instance. Dennis E. Sparks SPARKS@CAER.UKY.EDU Lexington, Kentucky