What do the letters on the tails of fighter jets mean?
What do the letters on the tails of fighter jets mean?
Tail codes are markings usually on the vertical stabilizer of U.S. military aircraft that help identify the aircraft’s unit and/or base assignment. This is not the same as the serial number, bureau number, or aircraft registration which provide unique aircraft identification.
How do you read military tail numbers?
Tail Code Numbering System Below the abbreviation “AF” is placed the first two digits of the serial number, indicating the fiscal year in which the aircraft was ordered. To the right are the last 3-digits of the serial number.
What do the letters mean in aircraft names?
A: Attack aircraft (for tactical air-to-surface mission) B: Bomber (for strategic air-to-surface mission) C: Cargo (i.e. Transport) E: Special electronic installation.
What is a modex number?
A modex is a number that is part of the Aircraft Visual Identification System, along with the aircraft’s tail code. It usually consists of two or three numbers that the Department of the Navy, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps use on aircraft to identify a squadron’s mission and a specific aircraft within a squadron.
How are military aircraft numbered?
At present, all US military aircraft follow the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system. The first letter (‘F’ or ‘B’) denotes the mission of the aircraft, while the number denotes the design number. The designation system produces a Mission-Design-Series (MDS) designation.
What Majcom is Kadena AFB?
The 18th Wing is the host unit at Kadena AB. In addition, the base hosts associate units from five other Air Force major commands, the United States Navy, and other Department of Defense agencies and direct reporting units.
What is a tail number?
A tail number is an alphanumeric code between two and six characters in length used to identify a specific airplane. The alphabetical prefix of a tail number is indicative of an airplane’s country of origin.
