UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 451

APPENDIX 5

Aircraft Designations and

Popular Names
Background on the Evolution of Aircraft Designations

A ircraft model designation history is very complex.

In order to fully understand the designations, it is
by a number to indicate the individual plane of that
type-manufacturer. Under this system:
important to know the factors that played a role in
developing the different missions that aircraft have been “A” was used for Curtiss hydroaeroplanes
“B” for Wright hydroaeroplanes
called upon to perform. Technological changes affect-
“C” for Curtiss flying boats
ing aircraft capabilities have resulted in corresponding
“D” for Burgess flying boats
changes in the operational capabilities and techniques
“E” for Curtiss amphibian flying boats
employed by the aircraft. Prior to World War I, the Navy
tried various schemes for designating aircraft. This system had been established in 1911 by Captain
In the early period of naval aviation a system was Washington I. Chambers, Director of Naval Aviation.
developed to designate an aircraft’s mission. Different The following is a list of the types of aircraft and their
aircraft class designations evolved for the various types designations in existence from 1911–1914:
of missions performed by naval aircraft. This became
known as the Aircraft Class Designation System.
Aircraft Designation System 1911–1914
Numerous changes have been made to this system
since the inception of naval aviation in 1911. A-1 Curtiss hydroaeroplane (originally an amphib-
While reading this section various references will be ian, and the Navy’s first airplane)
made to the Aircraft Class Designation System, A-2 Curtiss landplane (rebuilt as a hydroaeroplane)
Designation of Aircraft, Model Designation of Naval A-3 Curtiss hydroaeroplane
Aircraft, Aircraft Designation System, and Model A-4 Curtiss hydroaeroplane
Designation of Military Aircraft. All of these references B-1 Wright landplane (converted to hydroaeroplane)
refer to the same system involved in designating air- B-2 Wright type hydroaeroplane
craft classes. This system is then used to develop the B-3 Wright type hydroaeroplane
specific designations assigned to each type of aircraft C-1 Curtiss flying boat
operated by the Navy. The F3F-4, TBF-1, AD-3, PBY- C-2 Curtiss flying boat
5A, A-4, A-6E, and F/A-18C are all examples of specif- C-3 Curtiss flying boat
ic types of naval aircraft designations which were C-4 Curtiss flying boat
developed from the Aircraft Class Designation System. C-5 Curtiss flying boat
D-1 Burgess Co. and Curtiss flying boat
D-2 Burgess Co. and Curtiss flying boat
Aircraft Class Designation System E-1 OWL (over water and land) (a Curtiss hydro-
aeroplane rebuilt as a short-hulled flying boat for fly-
ing over water or land and fitted with wheels for use
Early Period of Naval Aviation up to 1920 as an amphibian)
The uncertainties during the early period of naval A new Aircraft Class Designation System was estab-
aviation were reflected by the problems encountered lished by Captain Mark L. Bristol, the second Director
in settling on a functional system for designating naval of Naval Aviation. He assumed the Director’s position
aircraft. Prior to 1920 two different Aircraft Class from Captain Chambers in December 1913. The new
Designation Systems were used. From 1911 up to system was issued on 27 March 1914 as General Order
1914, naval aircraft were identified by a single letter 88, “Designation of Air Craft.” This system changed the
indicating the general type and manufacturer, followed original designation of the aircraft to two letters and a

451
452 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

number, of which the first letter denoted class; the sec- or construction. Class letters assigned to the Z types
ond, type within a class; and the number the order in were R for rigid, N for nonrigid, and K for kite. By
which aircraft within the class were acquired. The four combining the type and class designation, the different
classes set up on 27 March 1914 are as follows: airships in the Navy’s inventory could be categorized.
As an example:
Aircraft Designation System, 1914–1920 ZR referred to rigid dirigibles (airships)
Aircraft Classes ZN stood for nonrigid airships
“A” for heavier-than-air craft. Within the “A” class: ZK for kite balloons
L stood for land machines
The class letters assigned to the heavier-than-air
H stood for hydroaeroplanes
vehicles covered a wider range and generally reflected
B stood for flying boats
the mission responsibilities of the aircraft classes. Class
X stood for combination land and water machines
letters assigned to the V types were:
(amphibians)
C stood for convertibles (could be equipped as F for fighting
either land or water machines) O for observation
“D” for airships or dirigibles S for scouting
“B” for balloons P for patrol
“K” for kites T for torpedo
Under this new system the A-1 aircraft (the Navy’s first G for fleet (utility)
airplane) was redesignated AH-1, with the “A” identify-
ing the plane as a heavier-than-air craft and the “H” By combining the V designation for heavier-than-air
standing for hydroaeroplane. General Order No. 88 vehicles with the class letters, the following aircraft
also provided a corresponding link between the old class definitions were assigned in 1920:
aircraft designations and the new system: “The aero-
VF for fighting plane
planes now in the service are hereby designated as
VO for observation plane
follows:
VS for scouting plane
A-1 became the AH-1 VP for patrol plane
A-2 became the AH-2 VT for torpedo and bombing plane
A-3 became the AH-3 VG for fleet plane (most likely a general utility
B-1 became the AH-4 aircraft)
B-2 became the AH-5
This class designation system for aircraft has contin-
B-3 became the AH-6
ued to remain a functional system and is still used today.
C-1 became the AB-1
There have been many additions, deletions, and major
C-2 became the AB-2
changes to the system over the years but the concept
C-3 became the AB-3
has remained intact. The current naval aircraft inventory
C-4 became the AB-4
C-5 became the AB-5 still lists VF, VS, VP, VG, VO, and VT aircraft classes.
D-1 became the AB-6 Three of these, VF, VP, and VO, still have the same defi-
D-2 became the AB-7 nitions they were assigned in 1920. The VS, VG, and VT
E-1 became the AX-1” aircraft class designations now refer to antisubmarine
(VS), in-flight refueling (VG), and training aircraft (VT).
Despite the phrase, “now in the service,” the A-1, B- The aircraft designation system established in July
1 and B-2 and probably the D-1 had ceased to exist 1920 by General Order 541 was modified on 29
before the order was issued. March 1922 by Bureau of Aeronautics Technical Note
213. It added the identity of the manufacturer to the
The Early 1920s aircraft model designation. The aircraft class designa-
In General Order 541, issued in 1920, two overall tions remained the same as those issued by General
types of aircraft were identified and assigned perma- Order 541 (G.O. 541); however, besides the six air-
nent letters which have remained in effect since 1920. craft classes listed in G.O. 541 (VF, VO, VS, VP, VT,
Lighter-than-air types were identified by the letter Z and VG), an additional two classes were added to the
and heavier-than-air types were assigned the letter V. aircraft class list. The two new aircraft classes were
Within these two categories, various class letters were VA for Training Aircraft and VM for Marine
assigned to further differentiate the aircraft’s operation Expeditionary Plane.
 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 453

The mid to late 1920s than-air, the second letter identified the primary mis-
sion of the aircraft, using the same 10 letter designa-
Between 1922 and 1933, there were only a few
tions listed in the above paragraph. The third letter
modifications to the Aircraft Class Designation
indicated the secondary mission of the aircraft class,
System. The Bureau of Aeronautics was established
such as:
in July 1921 and, thereafter, made changes to the
Aircraft Class Designation System. In response to a F for fighting
Secretary of Navy letter dated 13 February 1923, the O for observation
Bureau of Aeronautics issued a Technical Note on 10 B for bombing
March 1923 that changed the VA designation for T for torpedo
training aircraft to VN, dropped the VG designation, S for scouting
and added the VJ designation for Transport Plane.
This was followed by the addition, in 1925, of the By assigning these five secondary mission letters to
VX designation for experimental aircraft. The VX the primary aircraft letter designations, seven new
designation was dropped from the Aircraft Class aircraft class designations were established:
Designation list in January 1927. In July 1928, the VBF for bombing-fighting
VM designation was dropped and the VJ designation VOS for observation-scouting
was changed from Transportation Plane to General VPB for patrol-bombing
Utility. Two new designations were also instituted, VPT for patrol-torpedo
VB for bombing and VH for ambulance. A new air- VSB for scouting-bombing
craft class was added in July 1930 and assigned the VSO for scout-observation
designation VR for transport aircraft. This VR desig- VTB for torpedo-bombing
nation has remained in effect for transport aircraft
since 1930. On the eve of World War II, the Model Designation
of Airplanes for 1 July 1939 was very similar to what
had been identified in 1934. There were eleven prima-
The 1930s ry aircraft class designations and six designations that
S imilar changes took place in the Aircraft Class included a secondary mission letter in its class designa-
Designation System during the early 1930s. By July tion. The 1 July 1939 Model Designation of Airplanes
1933, there were ten aircraft class designations. This included the following Aircraft Class Designations:
list of aircraft classes did not vary much from those
identified in the previous ten years. The aircraft class Bombing (VB)
designations identified in July 1933 were as follows: Fighting (VF)
Miscellaneous (VM)
VB for bombing Observation (VO)
VF for fighting Patrol (VP)
VH for ambulance Scouting (VS)
VJ for general utility Torpedo (VT)
VN for training Training (VN)
VO for observation Transport (multi-engine) (VR)
VP for patrol Transport (single engine) (VG)
VR for transport Utility (VJ)
VS for scouting Observation-Scouting (VOS)
VT for torpedo. Patrol-Bombing (VPB)
Scouting-Bombing (VSB)
A major change was instituted to the Aircraft Scouting-Observation (VSO)
Designation System on 2 January 1934. Prior to 1934, Torpedo-Bombing (VTB)
aircraft classes had been established according to the Utility-Transport (VJR)
primary mission the aircraft was to perform. The fact
that many aircraft were capable of performing more
than one mission was recognized in the revised sys- World War II
tem by assigning an additional letter to the previous The designation changes for the aircraft classes and
two-letter aircraft class designation. In the new three- squadron system during World War II and the immedi-
letter aircraft class designation, the first letter identified ate post war period are identified in the Model
the type of vehicle, such as, V for heavier-than-air Designation of Naval Aircraft, the Aviation Circular
(fixed wing) and Z for lighter-than-air. For heavier- Letters, and in the Navy Department Bulletins.
454 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

By mid-1943, many new aircraft class designations VL gliders

had been added to the Model Designation of Naval VLN gliders (training)
Aircraft. The additions included: VLR gliders (transport)

VA for ambulance The helicopter type (H) had the following classes:
VBT for bombing-torpedo
HO helicopters (observation)
VSN for scout-training
HN helicopters (training)
VL for gliders
HR helicopters (transport)
VLN for training-gliders
VLR for transport-gliders The lighter-than-air type (Z) had the following classes:
VH for helicopters
VHO for observation-helicopters ZN nonrigid airships
VD for drones ZNN nonrigid airships (training)
VTD for torpedo-drones and/or target-drones ZNP nonrigid airships (patrol and escort)
ZN for nonrigid airships
ZNN for nonrigid-training and/or utility airships This July 1944 change to the Model Designation of
ZNP for nonrigid patrol and/or scouting airships Naval Aircraft was still in effect at the close of World
War II and only a couple of additions had been made,
As the war progressed, more changes were made to they included:
the Model Designation of Naval Aircraft. In July 1944,
VKC for assault drones
a major change was instituted for the Aircraft Class
HJ for utility helicopters
Designation System. Naval aircraft were divided into
three main types identified by a letter:
Post World War II and the late 1940s
V for fixed wing vehicles (airplanes, gliders and drones)
On 11 March 1946, a major revision was issued to
H for rotary wing vehicles (helicopters)
the Class Designation of Naval Aircraft. Aviation
Z for lighter-than-air vehicles (airships)
Circular Letter Number 43–46 divided naval aircraft
The three main types were then each subdivided into four types and assigned a letter designation. The
into classes. The classes under the heavier-than-air four types were:
fixed-wing type (V) included:
V for heavier-than-air (fixed wing)
VF fighters K for pilotless aircraft
VF(M) fighters (medium or 2 engine) H for heavier-than-air (rotary wing)
VSB scout bombers Z for lighter-than-air
VTB torpedo bombers
Within the class designation for V type aircraft, the
VO/VS observation scout
primary mission and class designation were as follows:
VPB(HL) patrol bombers (heavy or 4 engine land-
plane) Primary Mission Class Designation
VPB(ML) patrol bombers (medium or 2 engine land- Fighter (destroy enemy aircraft
plane) in the air) VF
VPB(HS) patrol bombers (heavy or 4 engine sea- Attack (destroy enemy surface
plane) or ground targets) VA
VPB(MS) patrol bombers (medium or 2 engine sea- Patrol (search for enemy) VP
plane) Observation (observe and
VR(HL) transport (heavy or 4 engine landplane) direct ship and shore gunfire) VO
VR(ML) transport (medium or 2 engine landplane) Transport purposes VR
VR(HS) transport (heavy or 4 engine seaplane) Utility purposes VU
VR(MS) transport (medium or 2 engine seaplane) Training purposes VT
VJ(M) utility (medium or 2 engine) Gliders VG
VJ utility Within the class designation for H type (rotary wing),
VSN(M) training the primary mission and class designation were as
VSN training follows:
VN training
VK drones Air-sea rescue HH
VKN drones (target training) Observation HO
 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 455

Training HT VO Observation Gunfire and artillery spotting

Transport HR VR Transport Air logistic support
Utility HU VU Utility Fleet utility support
VT Training Basic and fleet training
Within the class designation for K type (pilotless air- VG Glider
craft), the primary mission and class designation were
as follows: H type (heavier-than-air, rotary wing) Classes

For attack on aircraft targets KA HH Air-sea rescue

For attack on ship targets KS HO Observation
HT Training
For attack on ground targets KG
HR Transport
For use as target aircraft KD
HU Utility
For utility purposes KU
K type (pilotless aircraft) Classes
Within the class designation for Z type (lighter-than-
air), the primary mission and class designation were KD Aerial target
as follows:
M type (Guided Missiles) Classes
Patrol and escort ZP
AAM Air-to-air
Air-sea rescue ZH ASM Air-to-surface
Training ZT AUM Air-to-underwater
Utility ZU SAM Surface-to-air
SSM Surface-to-surface
This order provided that “no changes...be made in the SUM Surface-to-underwater
model designation of aircraft already produced or in UAM Underwater-to-air
production, except that the mission letter of all BT USM Underwater-to-surface
class aircraft shall be changed to A.” Thus, the SB2C TV Test vehicle
and TBF/TBM aircraft remained in use until they were
Z type (Lighter-than-air)
removed from the inventory, while the BT2D and BTM
aircraft were redesignated as AD and AM. These air- ZP Patrol and escort
craft were assigned to the new attack squadrons estab- ZH Search and rescue
lished in the latter part of 1946. ZT Training
In 1947 a modification was made to CNO’s Aviation ZU Utility
Circular Letter No. 43–46 of 11 March 1946 whereby a
fifth class designation was added to the naval aircraft The 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s
types. The new class designation was the M type for
During the early 1950s several changes were made
Guided Missiles and the primary mission and class
to the V (heavier-than-air fixed wing) type. The VG
designation were as follows: glider class was dropped and the following classes
Air-to-air AAM were added:
Air-to-surface ASM VS Search Submarine search and attack (carrier)
Air-to-underwater AUM VW Warning Airborne early warning
Surface-to-air SAM
Surface-to-surface SSM In 1953 the nine classes of the V type were further
Surface-to-underwater SUM divided into sub-classes. The V type classes and sub-
Underwater-to-air UAM classes were as follows:
Underwater-to-surface USM VA Attack Surface and ground attack
Test Vehicle TV VA (Int’d) Interdiction
In 1949 the class designations were: VA (GS) Ground Support
VA (AW) All Weather and ASW
V type (heavier-than-air, fixed wing) Classes VA (W) Air Early Warning and ASW
VA (H) Heavy
VF Fighter Air defense and escort VA (P) Photographic
VA Attack Surface and ground attack VF Fighter Air defense and escort
VP Patrol ASW reconnaissance and attack VF (Int) Interceptor
456 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

VF (Day) Day, jet The H type classes for 1953 were as follows:
VF (Day) (Prop) Day, reciprocating
VF (AW) All weather, jet HO Observation
VF (AW) (Prop) All weather, reciprocating HR Transport
VF (P) Photographic, jet HS Anti-submarine
VF (P) (Prop) Photographic, reciprocating HT Trainer
VF (D) Drone control HU Utility
VF (FT) Flight Test HC Cargo
VO Observation Gunfire andartillery spotting In 1955 a new H type class was added and designated
VP Patrol ASW reconnaissance, mining and
HW for Aircraft Early Warning. This class remained in
weather
effect for only a short time and was removed by 1961.
VP (L) Landplane
The only other change for the H type during the 1950s
VP (S) Seaplane
was the removal of the HC Cargo Class by 1961.
VP (MIN) Mining
VP (WEA) Weather The Z type classes for 1953 were as follows:
VP (Q) Countermeasure
VR Transport Air logistic support ZP Patrol
VR (H) Heavy landplane ZT Trainer
VR (M) Medium landplane
VR (S) Heavy seaplane There were several changes to the Z type classes in
VR (C) Carrier the 1950s. In 1954 two new classes were added, ZS
VS Antisubmarine Submarine search and attack Search and Anti-submarine and ZW Air Early Warning.
VS Search and attack The other changes in 1954 included the dropping of the
VS (S) Attack ZT Trainer designation and modifying the ZP designa-
VS (W) Search tion to patrol and anti-subamrine. In 1955 the ZS desig-
VT Training Basic, fleet and primary training nation was dropped after being in effect for only a year.
VT (Jet) Jet
VT (ME) Two-engine, reciprocating The K type classes for 1953 were as follows:
VT (SE) One-engine, reciprocating KD Targets
VT (E) Electronic
VT (Nav) Navigation This designation was modified in 1955 to K (suffix)
VU Utility Fleet utility support Target Drones. Sometime in the latter part of the 1950s
VU (Gen) General the K type designation was dropped and a new D
VU (SAR) Search and rescue type was listed as Remotely Controlled Tactical
VU (Tow) Tow Airborne Vehicle. Within this type the class was identi-
VW Warning Airborne Early Warning fied as DS Anti-submarine.
VW Air early warning
The M type for 1953 was modified as follows:
Between 1953 and 1960 there was only one change
in the V class and a few modifications in the sub-class- M Tactical Weapon
es. The VG class, for in-flight refueling, tanker, was RV Research Vehicle
added in 1958. In 1960 the type letter for the heavier-
A Bureau of Aeronautics Aviation Circular Letter
than-air fixed wing class was still identified as “V”, how-
Number 25–51 of 14 July 1951 removed the guided
ever, it was omitted from the acronym for the class des-
ignation. The class designations for the heavier-than-air missile type from the naval aircraft types and listed
fixed wing type and their basic mission were as follows: only four types of naval aircraft. The four types were:

V Heavier-than-air (fixed wing)

A Attack H Heavier-than-air (rotary wing)
F Fighter Z Lighter-than-air
G In-flight refueling tanker
K Target drones
O Observation
P Patrol The Bureau of Naval Weapons Instruction 13100.1A
R Transport “Model Designation of Naval Aircraft”, dated 17 May
S Antisubmarine (for carrier based aircraft) 1961, lists the type letter designations as follows:
T Training
U Utility V Heavier-than-air (fixed wing) (the V is omitted
W Airborne Early Warning from the aircraft designation)
 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 457

H Heavier-than-air (rotary wing) B Bomber Aircraft designed for bombing

Z Lighter-than-air enemy targets.
D Remotely controlled tactical airborne vehicle
R Rotorcycle C Cargo/transport Aircraft designed for carrying
cargo and/or passengers.
The classes within each of these five aircraft type
designations were: E Special Electronic Aircraft possessing ECM capa-
bility or installation having
V type Heavier-than-air (fixed wing) Classes electronic devices to permit
employment as an early
VA Attack
warning radar station.
VF Fighter
VG In-flight refueling tanker F Fighter Aircraft designed to intercept
VO Observation and destroy other aircraft
VP Patrol and/or missiles.
VR Transport
VS Anti-submarine H Helicopter A rotary-wing aircraft
VT Training designed with the capability
VU Utility of flight in any plane; e.g.,
VW Airborne Early Warning horizontal, vertical, or diago-
nal.
H type Heavier-than-air (rotary wing) Classes
K Tanker Aircraft designed for in-flight
HO Observation
refueling of other aircraft.
HR Transport
HS Anti-submarine O Observation Aircraft designed to observe
HT Training (through visual/other means)
HU Utility and report tactical informa-
Z type Lighter-than-air Classes tion concerning composition
and disposition of enemy
ZP Patrol forces, troops, and supplies
ZW Airborne Early Warning in an active combat area.

D type Remotely Controlled Tactical Airborne P Patrol Long range, all weather,
Vehicle Classes multi-engine aircraft operat-
ing from land and/or water
DS Anti-submarine bases, designed for indepen-
R type Rotorcycles Classes dent accomplishment of the
following functions; antisub-
RO Observation (equipment) marine warfare, maritime
reconnaissance, and mining.
In 1962 a major changed occurred in the model des-
ignation for naval aircraft. The Department of Defense S Antisubmarine Aircraft designed to search
consolidated the aircraft designation systems of the out, detect, identify, attack and
Navy, Army, and Air Force. A new DOD (Department destroy enemy submarines.
of Defense) Directive was established that designated,
redesignated, and named military aircraft. Under the T Trainer Aircraft designed for training
new system the V for heavier-than-air fixed wing types personnel in the operation of
was dropped completely and a single letter was used aircraft and/or related equip-
to identify the basic mission of the vehicle. The basic ment, and having provisions
mission and associated type symbols were as follows: for instructor personnel.

A Attack Aircraft designed to search U Utility Aircraft used for miscella-

out, attack and destroy enemy neous missions such as carry-
land or sea targets using con- ing cargo and/or passengers,
ventional or special weapons. towing targets, etc. These air-
Also used for interdiction and craft will include those hav-
close air support missions. ing a small payload.
458 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

V VTOL and STOL Aircraft designed for vertical VS ASW (Carrier based)
take-off or landing with no
take-off or landing roll, or air- VP ASW Patrol
craft capable of take-off and VP L ASW Patrol (shore based)
landing in a minimum pre- VP S ASW Patrol (sea based)
scribed distance.
VW Airborne early warning
X Research Aircraft designed for testing VW M AEW Medium (carrier based)
configurations of a radical VW H AEW Heavy (shore based)
nature. These aircraft are not
normally intended for use as VR Transport
tactical aircraft. VR H Heavy transport
VR M Medium transport
Z Airship A self-propelled lighter-than- VR C Carrier transport
air aircraft. VG Air refueler, heavy
The only type symbol not in use by the Navy from the VT Trainer
above listing was the B for bomber aircraft. The O for VT AJ Advanced jet trainer
observation aircraft was in the naval inventory but was VT BJ Basic jet trainer
used primarily by the Marine Corps. VT SJ Special jet trainer
Between 1962 and 1990 there were only two modifi- VT AP Advanced prop trainer
cations to the listing of basic mission and aircraft type VT BP Basic Prop trainer
symbols in DOD’s Model Designation of Military VT PP Primary prop trainer
Aircraft, Rockets and Guided Missiles. These changes VT SP Special Prop trainer
involved the addition of the letter “R” for
Reconnaissance and the deletion of the Z type for VK Drone
Airships. The basic mission for the R type was an air- VK D Drone control
craft designed to perform reconnaissance missions.
The only change to this listing occurred in 1965 with
Even though a consolidated DOD directive was
the addition of the VO class for observation. Between
issued on aircraft designations for the Navy, Air Force,
1965 and 1988 there was no change to the aircraft
and Army in 1962, the Navy continued to publish a list-
class listing in the Allowances and Location of Naval
ing of naval aircraft classes and sub-classes that dif-
Aircraft. However, there were numerous changes in
fered slightly from the DOD directive. However, the
the listing for the sub-classes. The final publication of
Navy did follow the new procedures for designating its
the Allowances and Location of Naval Aircraft was
aircraft, as an example, the AD-5 Skyraider aircraft des-
March 1988.
ignation was changed to A-1E. The December 1962 On 2 May 1975, the Navy selected a derivative of
issue of the Allowances and Location of Naval Aircraft the YF-17 as the winner of the Navy’s VFAX competi-
lists the following classes and sub-classes for fixed tion for a new multimission fighter attack aircraft.
wing aircraft (note the continued use of “V” as part of The VFAX aircraft was designed to replace two air-
the class designation and the failure to change the VG craft in the Navy’s inventory, the F-4 Phantom II and
class designation for air refueler to K, as listed by the the A-7 Corsair II. This program was reinstituting an
DOD instruction): old Navy policy, whereby, multimission requirements
VF Fighter for attack and fighter, be incorporated into a single
VF FB Fighter-bomber aircraft. Fighter and light attack missions had previ-
VF P Photo reconnaissance ously been assigned to various types of aircraft, par-
ticularly in the period prior to World War II and also
VA Attack in the 1950s. The Navy was now reverting to an old
VA L Light Attack policy and designing a plane with a dual capacity as
VA LP Light Attack (Prop) a fighter and an attack aircraft to meet new multimis-
VA M Medium Attack sion requirements.
VA H Heavy Attack The VFAX aircraft was initially assigned the F-18A
VA P Photo Reconnaissance (long range) designation. A new model designation F/A (strike
VA Q ECM Reconnaissance (long range) fighter) was established and assigned to the aircraft in
VA QM Tactical ECM the late 1970s. The Navy accepted its first F/A-18
VA QMP Tactical ECM (Prop) Hornet on 16 January 1979. The F/A designation was
 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 459

identified as a sub-class and listed under the VF class VR M Transport

in the Navy’s Allowances and Location of Naval VR C Transport
Aircraft. Under the DOD model designation listing the VR LJ Transport
F/A-18 designation is listed under both the A and F
symbol designations as A-18 and F-18. VG In-flight Refueling

The 1990s VO Observation

VO L Observation
The following is a list of the Naval Aircraft Class and
Sub-classes used in the 1990s: VU Utility
VU L Utility
VF Fighter VU S Utility
VF FA Striker Fighter
VF FB Fighter VT Training
VF P Fighter VT AJ Training Jet
VT SJ Training Jet
VA Attack VT PP Training Prop
VA L Attack
VT SP Training Prop
VA M Attack
VT SG Training Jet
VA H Attack
VA P Attack
H Rotary Wing
VA Q Attack
HF Rotary Wing
VA QM Attack
HA Rotary Wing
HG Rotary Wing
VS Sea Control (was Antisubmarine until 1993)
HS Rotary Wing
VP Patrol HH Rotary Wing
VP L Patrol HM Rotary Wing
HL Rotary Wing
VW Warning HT Rotary Wing
VP M Warning HR Rotary Wing
VP H Warning
VK Drones
VR Transport VK D Drones
VR H Transport VK K Drones Jet

The R4C-1
Condor was
used as a
transport by
the Navy, AN-
32600.
460 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

Aircraft Designation List

The Aircraft Designation Listings have been divided numbers, especially in the case of experimental aircraft.
into four separate listings to help clarify the different Others were one of a kind models, and some were
designation systems used by the Navy. The four listings acquired through a means other than the usual ordering
are: 1911–1922 Designation Systems (there were via aircraft production contracts, these include foreign
three separate systems during this period), 1922–1923 aircraft acquired for evaluation. A separate listing, Naval
Designations, 1923–1962 Navy System and the DoD Aircraft Redesignated in 1962, has been added to
Designation System, 1962 to Present. Column head- help clarify the redesignations that occurred in 1962.
ings within each of these four listings vary. However, if
the popular name (official name assigned by the Navy) 1911–1922 Designation Systems
or common name (name usually assigned by the manu- Within this time frame there were three separate des-
facturer) was known it is included in each of the listings. ignation systems. The three separate columns identify
The popular or common name may not always apply to those systems. Column three (Other Designation
all the specific aircraft model designations. The primary Systems or Popular Name) covers the period 1917–1922.
emphasis for the Aircraft Designation Listings is to pro- During this period there was no standard designation
vide a composite list of all the aircraft designations the system. During World War I the Navy generally adopted
Navy has had in its inventory. It should also be noted, whatever designations were assigned by the developer
some aircraft in these listings were not assigned bureau or manufacturer.

1911 1914 Other Designation Manufacturer 1911 1914 Other Designation Manufacturer
Designa- Designa- Systems, Popular or other Source Designa- Designa- Systems, Popular or other Source
tion tion or Common Name tion tion or Common Name
System System System System

A-1 AH-1 Triad Curtiss AH-17 Curtiss

A-2/E-1 AX-1 OWL(Over-Water-Land, Curtiss AH-18 Curtiss
also called Bat Boat) AH-19 Martin S Martin
A-3 AH-3 Curtiss AH-20 Thomas HS Thomas Brothers
A-4 AH-2 Curtiss AH-21 Thomas HS Thomas Brothers
B-1 AH-4 Wright AH-22 Martin
B-2 AH-5 Wright AH-23 Wright
B-3 AH-6 Wright AH-24 Sturtevant S Sturtevant
C-1 AB-1 Curtiss AH-25 Burgess
C-2 AB-2 Curtiss AH-26 Burgess
C-3 AB-3 Curtiss AH-27 Burgess
C-4 AB-4 Curtiss AH-28 Burgess
C-5 AB-5 Curtiss AH-29 Burgess
D-1 AB-6 Burgess & Curtis AH-30 Curtiss
D-2 AB-7 Burgess & Curtis AH-31 Burgess
E-1 AX-1 OWL(Over-Water-Land, Curtiss (1913) AH-32 Curtiss
also called Bat Boat) AH-33 Curtiss
DN-1 (Navy’s first LTA Connecticut Aircraft AH-34 Curtiss
vehicle, D stood for Company AH-35 Curtiss
dirigible and N for AH-36 Curtiss
non-rigid) AH-37 Curtiss
AH-7 Burgess-Dunne AH-38 Curtiss
AH-8 Curtiss AH-39 Curtiss
AH-9 Curtiss AH-40 Curtiss
AH-10 Burgess-Dunne AH-41 Curtiss
AH-11 Curtiss AH-42 Curtiss
AH-12 Curtiss AH-43 Curtiss
AH-13 Curtiss AH-44 Curtiss
AH-14 Curtiss AH-45 Curtiss
AH-15 Curtiss AH-46 Curtiss
AH-16 Curtiss AH-47 Curtiss
 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 461

1911 1914 Other Designation Manufacturer 1911 1914 Other Designation Manufacturer
Designa- Designa- Systems, Popular or other Source Designa- Designa- Systems, Popular or other Source
tion tion or Common Name tion tion or Common Name
System System System System

AH-48 Curtiss H-12,-12L Curtiss

AH-49 Curtiss H-16 Curtiss, NAF
AH-50 Curtiss H-4-H Standard
AH-51 Curtiss HA-1,-2 Curtiss
AH-52 Curtiss HB-2 Levy-Lepen
AH-53 Curtiss HD-1,-2 Hanriot
AH-54 Curtiss Heinkel Seaplane Casper Werke, Germany
AH-55 Curtiss HPS-1 Handley Page
AH-56 Curtiss HS-1,-1L Curtiss, Boeing,
AH-57 Curtiss Loughead, LWF,
AH-58 Curtiss Gallaudet, Standard
AH-59 Curtiss HS-2L Curtiss, Boeing, NAF,
AH-60 Curtiss Gallaudet, Standard,
AH-61 D-1 Gallaudet Loughead, LWF
AH-62 R-3 Curtiss HS-3 Curtiss, NAF
AH-63 Paul Schmitt, Paris HT-2 Burgess
AH-64 Curtiss JL-6 Junkers-Larsen
AH-65 R-3 Curtiss JN-4 Curtiss
18-T Kirkham Fighter Curtiss JN-4B Curtiss
AR-1 Morane-Saulnier JN-4H From Army
Avorio Prassone Italian Government JN-4HG From Army
C-1 Fokker, Netherlands
JN-6H From Army
C-1F Boeing
JN-6HG-I From Army
Camel (F-l) Sopwith, from Army
K Boat Austrian Government
Caproni Ca-44 Caproni, Italy
K-4 (variant of NO-1) J.V. Martin
CR-1,-3 Curtiss
KF-1 (also known as J.V. Martin
CS-1 Curtiss
KIV)
CS-II Dornier
L-2 Curtiss
CT Curtiss
L-3 Longren
D-1 Gallaudet Aircraft Corp.
D-1 Dornier, Swiss Agent Le Pen Seaplane From Abroad
D-4 Gallaudet Aircraft Corp. LePere From Army
D-7 or D.VII Fokker LS-1 Loening Aeronautical
DH-4 Dayton-Wright, from Engineering Co.
Army M-3 Kitten Loening Aeronautical
DH-4B/4B-1 NAF and Army Engineering Co.
DH-9A British Govt. M-8 Loening Aeronautical
DN-1 Connecticut Aircraft Co. Engineering Co.
Donne Denhaut French Govt. M-8-0 (M-80) Loening Aeronautical
DT-1,-2 Douglas, NAF,LWF Engineering Co.
E-1 (M Defense) Standard, from Army M-8-1 (M-81) NAF (Loening design)
EM-1,-2 G. Elias & Brothers M-8-1S (M-8-1S) Loening
EO-1 G. Elias & Brothers M2O-1 Martin
F Boat Curtiss, Alexandria M.5 Macchi
(Briggs) M.8 Macchi
F-5/F-5L Curtiss, Canadian Aero- M.16 Macchi
planes Ltd., and NAF MB-3 Thomas Morse
F-6 NAF MB-7 Thomas Morse
FT-1 Fokker, Netherlands MBT/MT Martin
Gastite Kite Goodrich MF Boat Curtiss and NAF
GS-1,-2 Gnome Speed Curtiss MO-1 Martin
Scout MS-1 Martin
462 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

1911 1914 Other Designation Manufacturer 1911 1914 Other Designation Manufacturer
Designa- Designa- Systems, Popular or other Source Designa- Designa- Systems, Popular or other Source
tion tion or Common Name tion tion or Common Name
System System System System

MT/MBT Martin Swift Blackburn Aeroplane

Model 10 Alexandria Aircraft Co.
Model 39-A & -B Aeromarine Plane & Tellier Flying Boat French Government
Motor Co. TF Boat NAF
Model 40F Aeromarine Plane & TG-1,-2,-3,-4,-5 NAF
Motor Co. TS-1 NAF and Curtiss
Model 700 Aeromarine Plane & TS-2,-3 NAF
Motor Co. TR-2(TS-3 A6449 re- NAF
N-1 NAF designated, one of a
N-9, -9H Curtiss, Burgess kind)
N-10 (2 reworked N-9) Curtiss TR-3,-3A NAF (Rebuilt TS-2)
NC-1, 2, 3 ,4 Curtiss TW-3 Wright
NC-5 to -10 NAF U-1 Caspar, Germany
Nieuport 28 From Army U-2 Burgess
Night Bomber Sperry USXB-1 Dayton Wright, from
NO-1 NAF Army
NW-1, -2 Wright VE-7,-7F Lewis & Vought and
O-SS British NAF
Panther Parnall VE-7G,-7GF NAF
Paul Schmitt Seaplane Paul Schmitt, Paris VE-7H NAF
PT-1,-2 NAF VE-7S,-7SF,-7SH NAF
R-3 Curtiss VE-9,-9H Chance Vought
R-6,-6L Curtiss Zodiac-Vedette French Government
R-9 Curtiss Viking IV Vickers
S-4B Thomas Morse VNB-1 Boeing
S-4C Thomas Morse Scout WA Dayton-Wright
S-5 Curtiss WP-1 Wright
S-5 (not the same air- Thomas Morse WS Seaplane Dayton-Wright
craft as Curtiss S-5) XDH-60 Moth DeHavilland
SA1 NAF XS-1 Cox-Klemin
SA2 NAF Exp. Seaplane NAS Pensacola
SC-1,-2 Martin Glider Am. Motorless
SE-5 From Army Hydroaeroplane Pensacola and Curtiss
SH-4 Thomas-Morse Richardson seaplane Washington Navy Yard
Sopwith Baby Sopwith Seaplane Aeromarine
Sopwith Camel Sopwith Seaplane DWF, Germany
Sopwith Pup Sopwith Seaplane Farman
Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter Sopwith Seaplane Loening
SS-Z-23 British Admiralty Seaplane Standard
ST-1 Stout Metal Airplane Seaplane Wright
Co. Seaplane Wright-Martin

1922–1923 Designations
Original Navy Other Designation, Manufacturer Original Navy Other Designation, Manufacturer
Designation Popular or other Source Designation Popular or other Source
or Common Name or Common Name

BR Bee Line HO-1 Huff-Daland

HN-1,-2 Huff-Daland NM NAF
 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 463

1923–1962 Navy System

Post-1962 Original Popular or Common Manufacturer Post-1962 Original Popular or Common Manufacturer
DOD Navy Name, other or Source DOD Navy Name, other or Source
Designa- Designa- Designation and Designa- Designa- Designation and
tion tion Miscellaneous Data tion tion Miscellaneous Data

AE-1 (L-4)(HE-1) Piper thru -3

A-1 AD-1 thru Skyraider (XBT2D-1) Douglas F3A-1 Corsair (F4U) Brewster
-7 FB-1 Boeing
A2D-1 Skyshark Douglas thru -5
A-3 A3D-1, -2 Skywarrior Douglas F2B-1 Boeing
A-4 A4D-1, Skyhawk Douglas F3B-1 Boeing
-2, -5 F4B-1 Boeing
AF-2, -3 Guardian (XTB3F-1) Grumman thru -4
A-6 A2F-1 Intruder Grumman XF5B-1 Boeing
F-4 AH Phantom II McDonnell XF6B-1 Boeing
A-2 AJ-1, -2 Savage North American XF7B-1 Boeing
A-5 A3J-1 Vigilante North American XF8B-1 Boeing
thru -3 F2C-1 (F2C-1 a paper Curtiss
AM-1 Mauler (XBTM-1) Martin designation for R2C-1,
AU-1 Corsair (XF4U-6) Vought never used as F2C-1)
B-314 Boeing F4C-1 Curtiss
Bulldog IIA Bristol F6C-1 Hawk Curtiss
BD-1,-2 Havoc (A-20) Douglas thru -4
BG-1 Great Lakes F6C-6 Hawk Curtiss
XB2G-1 Great Lakes XF6C-5 Curtiss
BM-1,-2 (XT5M-1) Martin thru -7
BT-1 Northrop F7C-1 Seahawk Curtiss
XBT-2 (SBD-1) Northrop/Douglas XF8C-1 Falcon Curtiss
XBTC-2 Curtiss F8C-1, -3 Falcon (OC) Curtiss
XBY-1 Consolidated F8C-4, -5 Helldiver (O2C) Curtiss
XB2Y-1 Consolidated XF8C-2, -4 Helldiver Curtiss
XBFC-1 (XF11C-1) Curtiss XF8C-7, -8 Helldiver (O2C) Curtiss
BFC-2 Goshawk (F11C-2) Curtiss XF9C-1, -2 Curtiss
BF2C-1 (F11C-3) Curtiss F9C-2 Sparrowhawk Curtiss
XBTC-1 Cancelled Curtiss XF11C-1 (XBFC-1) Curtiss
XBTC-2 Curtiss XF11C-2 Goshawk (XBFC-2) Curtiss
XBT2C-1 Curtiss XF11C-3 (XBF2C-1) Curtiss
BTD Destroyer Douglas F11C-2 Goshawk (BFC-2) Curtiss
A-1 XBT2D-1 Skyraider (AD-1) Douglas XF13C-1 Curtiss
XBTK-1 (BK-1 original Kaiser-Fleetwings thru -3
designation—changed XF14C-2 Curtiss
before first aircraft XF15C-1 Curtiss
completed) XFD-1 Douglas
XBTM-1 Mauler (AM-1) Martin FD-1 Phantom (FH-1) McDonnell
CS-1, -2 Curtiss XF2D-1 Banshee (F2H) McDonnell
SC-1, -2 (CS-1) Martin F-10 F3D-1,-2 Sky Knight Douglas
D-558-1 Skystreak Douglas F-6 F4D-1 Skyray Douglas
D-558-2 Skyrocket Douglas F5D-1 Skylancer Douglas
XDH-80 Puss Moth Dehavilland FF-1, -2 Grumman
QH-50D, F2F-1 Grumman
-50C DSN DASH Gyrodyne F3F-1 Grumman
F-5L NAF thru -3
XFA-1 General Aviation XF4F-3 Wildcat Grumman
F2A-1 Buffalo Brewster thru -6, -8
464 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

1923–1962 Navy System—Continued

Post-1962 Original Popular or Common Manufacturer Post-1962 Original Popular or Common Manufacturer
DOD Navy Name, other or Source DOD Navy Name, other or Source
Designa- Designa- Designation and Designa- Designa- Designation and
tion tion Miscellaneous Data tion tion Miscellaneous Data

F4F-3,-3A, Wildcat (FM) Grumman F-8 F8U-1, -2 Crusader Vought

-4, -7 F8U-3 Crusader III Vought
XF5F-1 Skyrocket Grumman F2W-1 Wright
XF6F-3, Hellcat Grumman F3W-1 Apache Wright
-4, -6 XFY-1 Pogo Consolidated
F6F-3, -5 Hellcat Grumman F-7 F2Y Sea Dart (Never used Convair
F7F-1 Tigercat Grumman in F-7 designation)
thru -4 GB-1, -2 Traveler (JB) Beech
F8F-1, -2 Bearcat Grumman GH-1 Nightingale (NH) Howard
F9F-2 Panther Grumman thru -3
thru -5 GK-1 Forwarder (JK) Fairchild
F-9 F9F-6 Cougar Grumman GQ-1 Reliant Stinson
thru -8 C-130 GV-1 Hercules (R8V) Lockheed
XF10F-1 Jaguar Grumman HE (L-4)(AE) Piper
F-11 F11F-1 Tiger (F9F-9) Grumman XHL-1 Loeing
XFG-1/ Eberhart XHJH-1 McDonnell
XF2G-1 XHJP-1 Piasecki
FG-1 Corsair (F4U) Goodyear XHJS-1 Sikorsky
F2G-1, -2 (FG/F4U) Goodyear HNS-1 Hoverfly Sikorsky
XFH-1 Hall XHOE-1 Hiller
FH-1 Phantom McDonnell H-43 HOK-1 Kaman
F-2 F2H-1 Banshee (F2D) McDonnell HOS-1 Sikorsky
thru -4 HO2S-1 Sikorsky
F-3 F3H-1, -2 Demon McDonnell HO3S-1 Sikorsky
F-4 F4H-1 Phantom II McDonnell XHO3S-3 Sikorsky
FJ-1, -2 Fury North American H-19 HO4S-3 (HRS) Sikorsky
F-1 FJ-3, -4 Fury North American HO5S-1 Sikorsky
XFJ-1, -2 Berliner-Joyce H-46 HRB-1 Vertol
XF2J-1 Berliner-Joyce XHRH-1 Order cancelled McDonnell
XF3J-1 Berliner Joyce HRP-1, -2 Rescuer (Flying Piasecki
XFL-1 Airabonita Bell Banana)
F2L-1 Airacobra (XTDL-1) Bell H-19 HRS-1 (HO4S) Sikorsky
FM-1, -2 Wildcat General Motors thru -3
FO-1 (P-38) Lockheed H-37 HR2S-1 Mojave Sikorsky
XFR-1 Fireball Ryan HSL-1 Model 61 Bell
FR-1 Fireball Ryan H-34 HSS-1 Sea Bat Sikorsky
XF2R-1 Ryan H-3 HSS-2 Sea King Sikorsky
XFT-2 Northrop HTE-1, -2 UH-12A Hiller
F2T-1 Black Widow (P-61) Northrop HTK-1 Kaman
FU-1 Vought H-13 HTL-1 Did not use Sioux Bell
XF2U-1 Vought thru -7
XF3U-1 (SBU) Vought H-43 HUK-1 Did not use Huskie Kaman
XF4U-1, -3 Corsair Vought H-2 HU2K-1 Seasprite Kaman
thru -5 H-13 HUL-1 Did not use Sioux Bell
F4U-1 thru Corsair (AU/FG/ Vought HUM-1 MC-4A McCulloch
-5, -7 F3A/F2G) H-25 HUP-1 Retriever Piasecki (Vertol)
XF5U-1 Vought thru -3
F6U-1 Pirate Vought H-34 HUS-1 Seahorse Sikorsky
F7U-1 Cutlass Vought H-52 HU2S-1 Sikorsky
thru -3 XJA-1 Super Universal Fokker
 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 465

1923–1962 Navy System—Continued

Post-1962 Original Popular or Common Manufacturer Post-1962 Original Popular or Common Manufacturer
DOD Navy Name, other or Source DOD Navy Name, other or Source
Designa- Designa- Designation and Designa- Designa- Designation and
tion tion Miscellaneous Data tion tion Miscellaneous Data

JR-1 (RR) Ford Me-262S Messerschmitt

thru -3 NB-1 Model 21 Boeing
JA-1 Norseman Noorduyn thru -4
JB-1 Traveler (GB) Beech XN2B-1 Model 81 Boeing
JD-1 Invader Douglas N2C-1, -2 Fledgling Curtiss
JE-1 Bellanca L-4 NE-1, -2 Grasshopper Piper
JF-1 Duck Grumman NH-1 Nightingale (GH) Howard
thru -3 NJ-1 North American
J2F-1 Duck Grumman XNK-1 Keystone
thru -5 XNL-1 Langley
J2F-6 Duck Columbia N2M-1 Martin
XJ3F-1 G-21 Grumman N2N-1 NAF
J4F-1, -2 Widgeon Grumman N3N-1 Yellow Peril NAF
JH-1 Stearman- thru -3
Hammond NP-1 Spartan
JK-1 Fairchild XNQ-1 Fairchild
J2K-1 Coast Guard only Fairchild XNR-1 Maxon
XJL-1 Colombia NR-1 Recruit Ryan
JM-1, -2 Marauder Martin NS-1 Stearman
JO-1, -2 Model 12A Lockheed N2S-1 Kaydet/Caydet Stearman/Boeing
XJO-3 Lockheed thru -5
XJQ-1, -2 (XRQ/R2Q) Fairchild NT-1 New Standard
J2Q-1 Coast Guard (R2Q) Fairchild N2T-1 Tutor Timm
XJW-1 UBF Waco NY-1 (PT-1) Consolidated
JRB-1 Voyager/Expediter Beech thru -3
thru -4 N2Y-1 Consolidated
JRC-1 Bobcat Cessna (Fleet Aircraft Inc.)
JRF-1 Goose, G-21 Grumman XN3Y-1 Consolidated
thru -6 XN4Y-1 (PT-11) Consolidated
XJR2F-1 Albatross (UF/UH-16) Grumman O2B-1 DH-4B metal fuselage Boeing
JRM-1 Mars (XPB2M) Martin OC-1, -2 Falcon (F8C-1, -3) Curtiss
thru -3 XOC-3 Curtiss
JRS-1 Sikorsky O2C-1,-2 Helldiver (F8C-5) Curtiss
JR2S-1 VS-44A Vought Sikorsky XO3C-1 (SOC) Curtiss
XLBE-1 Glomb Pratt-Read (Gould) OD-1 Douglas
LBP-1 Glomb Piper XO2D-1 Douglas
LBT-1 None acquired (XLBE-1) Taylorcraft O-1 OE-1, -2 Bird Dog Cessna
LNE-1 Pratt-Read (Gould) XOJ-1 Berliner-Joyce
XLNP-1 Piper OJ-2 Berliner-Joyce
XLNR-1 Aeronca XOK-1 Keystone
LNS-1 Cancelled Schweizer OL-1 Loening
XLNT-1 Taylorcraft Aeronautical
XLRA-1 Allied thru -9 Engineering
XLR2A-1 Allied Company
XLRN-1 NAF XO2L-1 Loening
XLRQ-1 Bristol O2N-1 None accepted (XOSN-1) NAF
LRW-1 Waco OO Schreck FBA Viking
XLR2W-1 Waco XOP-1, -2 Pitcairn
M-130, PanAm owned Martin O2U-1 Vought
Me-108B Messerschmitt thru -4
466 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

1923–1962 Navy System—Continued

Post-1962 Original Popular or Common Manufacturer Post-1962 Original Popular or Common Manufacturer
DOD Navy Name, other or Source DOD Navy Name, other or Source
Designa- Designa- Designation and Designa- Designa- Designation and
tion tion Miscellaneous Data tion tion Miscellaneous Data

O3U-1, -2 (O3U-2 redes. SU-1) Vought P-2 P2V-1 Neptune Lockheed

-3, -4, -6 (O3U-4 redes. SU-2/3) thru -7
XO3U-5, -6 Vought P-3 P3V-1 Orion Lockheed
XO4U-1, -2 Vought XPY-1 Admiral (P3M-1, -2) Consolidated
XO5U-1 Vought P2Y-1 Consolidated
OY-1 Sentinel (L-5) Stinson Convair (Stinson, thru -3
V-76 Vultee, XP3Y-1 (PBY) Consolidated
Consolidated) XP4Y-1 Model 31 Consolidated
XOZ-1 Penn Acft Syndicate QP-4B P4Y-2 Privateer (PB4Y-2) Consolidated
XOSE-1, -2 Edo XP5Y-1 (R3Y) Convair
XOSN-1 NAF XPBB-1 Boeing
OS2N-1 Kingfisher (OS2U) NAF PB2B-1, -2 Catalina Boeing
XOSS-1 Stearman PBJ-1 Mitchell (B-25) North American
OS2U-1 Kingfisher Vought PBM-1 Mariner Martin
thru -3 thru -3, -5
(P-59) Bell XPB2M Mars (JRM) Martin
(P-63)(L-39) Bell PBN-1 Nomad NAF
PB-1 Flying Fortress (B-17) Boeing PBO-1 Hudson Lockheed
P2B-1, -2 Super Fortress (B-29) Boeing XPBS-1 Sikorsky
PD-1 (PN-12) Douglas PBY-1 Catalina Consolidated
P2D-1 Douglas thru -6A
XP3D-1 Douglas XPB2Y-1 Coronado Consolidated
UF-1 Albatross(XJR2F/UH-16) Grumman PB2Y-2 Coronado Consolidated
PH-1 Hall thru -5
thru -3 PB4Y-1 Liberator (B-24) Consolidated
XP2H-1 Hall PB4Y-2 Privateer Consolidated
PJ-1, -2 FLB, Coast Guard North American XPTBH-2 Hall
PK-1 (PN-12) Keystone R2C-1, -2 (F2C-1 paper Curtiss
PM-1, -2 (PN-12) Martin designation for R2C-1,
XP2M-1 Martin never used)
P3M-1, -2 (XPY-1) Martin R3C-1 Curtiss
P4M-1 Mercator Martin thru -4
P-5 P5M-1, -2 Marlin Martin RA-1 (TA) Altantic
P-6 XP6M-1 Seamaster (never used Martin thru -4
in P-6 designation) RB-1 Connestoga Budd
P-6 P6M-2 Seamaster (never used Martin RC-1 Kingbird Curtiss
in P-6 designation) R4C-1 Condor Curtiss
PN-7 NAF C-46 R5C-1 Commando (may not Curtiss
thru -12 have been used under
P2N Never used in this NAF C-46 designation)
designation (NC boats) RD-1 Dolphin Douglas
P3N NAF thru -4
XP4N-1,-2 NAF R2D-1 DC-2 Douglas
PO-1 Constellation Lockheed R3D-1 DC-5 Douglas
PO-2 Warning Star (WV) Lockheed thru -3
XPS-1, -2 (XRS-2) C-47 R4D-1 Skytrain Douglas
PS-3 (RS-3) Sikorsky thru -7
XP2S Sikorsky C-117 R4D-8 Skytrain Douglas
PV-1, -3 Ventura Lockheed C-54 R5D-1 Skymaster Douglas
PV-2 Harpoon Lockheed thru -5
 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 467

1923–1962 Navy System—Continued

Post-1962 Original Popular or Common Manufacturer Post-1962 Original Popular or Common Manufacturer
DOD Navy Name, other or Source DOD Navy Name, other or Source
Designa- Designa- Designation and Designa- Designa- Designation and
tion tion Miscellaneous Data tion tion Miscellaneous Data

C-118 R6D-1 Liftmaster, DC-6A Douglas XSBC-1 (XF12C-1) Curtiss

XRE-1 Skyrocket Bellanca XSBC-2 Curtiss
thru -3 thru -4
RG-1 Romeo Fokker, SBC-3,-4 Helldiver Curtiss
Italy SB2C-1 Helldiver (SBF/SBW) Curtiss
XRK-1 Envoy Kinner thru -5
C-3 RM-1 Model 4-0-4 (VC-3A) Martin XSB2C-6 Curtiss
XRO-1 Altair Detroit/Lockheed SBD-1 Dauntless Douglas
XR2O-1 Electra Lockheed thru -6
XR3O-1 Electra Lockheed XSB2D-1 Destroyer Douglas
R4O-1 Model 14 Lockheed SBF-1, Helldiver (SB2C/SBW) Canadian Fairchild
R5O-1 Lodestar Lockheed -3 and -4
thru -6 SBN-1 (XSBA) NAF
XR6O-1 Constitution Lockheed SBU-1, -2 Chance Vought
C-121 R7O-1 Constellation Lockheed SB2U-1 Vindicator Vought-Sikorsky,
R2Q-1 (J2Q) Coast Guard Fairchild thru -3 Chance Vought
XR3Q-1 Reliant Stinson XSB3U-1 Vought-Sikorsky
C-119 R4Q-1, -2 Packet Fairchild SBW-1, -3 Helldiver (SB2C/SBF) Canadian Car &
RR-4, -5 (JR) Ford thru -5 Foundry
RS-1 thru (PS) Sikorsky SNJ-1 Texan North American
-3 & -5 thru -7
RT Delta Northrop XSN2J-1 North American
R6V-1 Constitution Lockheed SNB-1, -2 Kansan Beech
C-121 R7V-1 Constellation Lockheed C-45 SNB-5 Navigator Beech
R8V-1G Hercules Lockheed
SNC-1 Falcon Curtiss
RY-1 Consolidated
SNV-1, -2 Valiant Vultee
thru -3
SOC-1 Seagull Curtiss
XR2Y-1 Convair
thru -4
R3Y-1, -2 Tradewind Convair
XSO2C-1 Curtiss
C-131 R4Y-1, -2 Convair Liner Convair
SO3C-1 Seamew Curtiss
ROE-1 Hiller
thru -3
RON-1 (HOG-1) Gyrodyne
SC-1, -2 Seahawk Curtiss XSOE-1 Bellanca
XS2C-1 Shrike Curtiss SON-1 (SOC-3) NAF
XS3C-1 Curtiss XSO2U-1 Vought
SDW-1 (DT) Dayton-Wright TB-1 Boeing
XSE-2 Bellanca T2D-1 Douglas
SF-1 (FF-1) Grumman XT3D-1 Douglas
XSG-1 Great Lakes TG-1, -2 Great Lakes
XSL-1 Loening T3M-1, -2 Martin
XS2L-1 Loening T4M-1 Martin
XSS-2 Sikorsky XT5M-1 (BM) Martin
SU-1 Corsair (O3U) Vought XT6M-1 Martin
thru -4 XTN-1 NAF
S-2 S2F-1 Tracker Grumman XT2N-1 NAF
thru -3 TA-1 (RA) Atlantic
XS2U-1W Cancelled (XWU-1) Vought thru -3
XSBA-1 (SBN) Brewster XTE-1 Edo
SB2A-1 Buccaneer Brewster TE-2 Edo
thru -4 C-1 TF-1 Trader Grumman
468 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

1923–1962 Navy System—Continued

Post-1962 Original Popular or Common Manufacturer Post-1962 Original Popular or Common Manufacturer
DOD Navy Name, other or Source DOD Navy Name, other or Source
Designa- Designa- Designation and Designa- Designa- Designation and
tion tion Miscellaneous Data tion tion Miscellaneous Data

XTF-1W Tracer (WF-2) Grumman XTDL-1 (P-39Q) drone Bell

T-2 XT2J-1, -2 Buckeye North American TDN-1 Drone NAF
T-2 T2J-1 Buckeye North American TD2N Gorgon NAF
T-39 T3J-1 North American TD3N Gorgon NAF
T-33 TO-1, -2 Shooting Star (TV) Lockheed TDR-1 Drone Interstate
TT-1 Pinto Temco XTD2R-1 Drone Interstate
T-33 TV-1, -2 Shooting Star (TO) Lockheed XTD3R-1 Drone Interstate
T-1 T2V-1 Sea Star Lockheed TS-1 Curtiss
TBD-1 Devastator Douglas XUC (XTD4C) Culver
XTB2D-1 Douglas U-1 UC-1 Otter DeHavilland
TBF-1 Avenger (TBM) Grumman U-16 UF-1, -2 Albatross (XJR2F) Grumman
XTBF-2, -3 Avenger (TBM) Grumman U-11 UO-1 Aztec Piper
XTB3F-1 Guardian (AF) Grumman UO-1 (not the same as Vought
XTBG-1 Great Lakes Piper UO-1)
TBM-1 Avenger (TBF) General Motors E-1 WF-2 Tracer Grumman
thru -4 E-2 W2F-1 Hawkeye Grumman
XTBU-1 Seawolf (TBY) Vought XWU-1 Cancelled (XS2U-1W) Vought
TBY-2 Seawolf (XTBU) Consolidated WV-1 Constellation Lockheed
TDC-1, -2 (PQ-8) drone Culver EC-121 WV-2, -3 Warning Star Lockheed
TD2C-1 (PQ-14) drone Culver
Note:
XTD3C (PQ-15) drone Culver 1. The list does not include all X model designations.
XTD4C-1 (XUC) drone Culver 2. Aircraft designations in parentheses are a cross reference to a similar
TDD (OQ-2A) drone Radioplane model or a redesignation of that aircraft. Parentheses are also used to identify
Army Air Corps/Air Force designations. Civilian model designations are not
TD2D Katydid, drone McDonnell placed in parentheses.
TD3D (OQ-16) drone Frankfort 3. The designations T-28B/C, T-34B and C-130BL were used by the Navy
TD4D (OQ-17) drone Radioplane prior to the change to the DoD Designation System in 1962.
 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 469

How to Read the 1923 to 1962 Aircraft Model

Designations for U.S. Naval Aircraft
There have been several systems to designate Suffix letters came into a more general use during
U.S. naval aircraft. However, the most common the period of rapid expansion immediately prior to
system covered the period 1923 to 1962 and con- U.S. entry into World War II. Unfortunately, the use of
sisted of four major elements: suffix letters was not strictly defined and the same let-
ter was frequently used to denote several different
Aircraft Type/Class characteristics causing considerable confusion. By the
Manufacturer Type Sequence time the system was abandoned, it was necessary to
Manufacturer know the aircraft in question rather than relying on
Modification the suffix letter to tell the specific characteristics being
In the beginning there were just two classes: heav- identified.
ier-than-air (fixed wing) identified by the letter V and The following lists provides all of the letter designa-
lighter-than-air identified by the letter Z. The letter H tions necessary to understand the system:
for heavier-than-air (rotary wing) was added with the
introduction of the helicopter in the 1940s. Late in
1945 the letter K was added for pilotless aircraft, mak- Table I
ing four distinct types. In March 1946 the Type/Class Type/Class Designation
designation was separated into two distinct headings
of Type and Class. The letter V was omitted in the Type/Class Meaning Period
model designation, but H, K, and Z were used where
A Attack 1946–1962
applicable. The letter X was added as a prefix desig-
A Ambulance 1943–1946
nating an experimental model.
In designating the first model of a class produced by B Bomber 1931–1946
a given manufacturer, the first number (1) is omitted BT Bomber Torpedo 1942–1946
in the Manufacturer Type Sequence position, but is D Target Drone 1946–1947
shown in the Modification Sequence position. Thus, in F Fighter 1922–1962
the VJ class, the first utility aircraft produced by G Glider 1946–1962
Grumman Aircraft Corporation was the JF-1. When a G Transport, Single Engine 1939–1946
major modification was instituted for the JF-1 without G In-Flight Refueling Tanker 1960–1962
changing the character of the model, that modification H Hospital 1929–1942
changed the designation to JF-2. The second modifica- H Air-Sea-Rescue 1946–1962
tion changed the designation to JF-3. The second utili- J Utility 1931–1946
ty aircraft built by Grumman was designated the J2F-1
J Transport 1928–1931
and successive modifications to this aircraft became
JR Utility Transport 1935–1946
J2F-2, J2F-3, etc. It must be remembered that the air-
craft Modification Sequence Number is always one K Drone 1945–1962
digit higher than the actual modification number. The L Glider 1941–1945
basic designation could be expanded to show addi- M Marine Expeditionary 1922–1925
tional characteristics, as demonstrated below: N Trainer 1922–1946

Experimental Manufacturer Type Aircraft

Aircraft Sequence Modification
Sequence

X F 4 F — 3 A

Type/Class Manufacturer Suffix

Letter
470 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

Table I—Continued Table II—Continued

Type/Class Designation Special Purpose Suffix
Type/Class Meaning Period Suffix
Letter Meaning Example
O Observation 1922–1962
OS Observation Scout 1935–1945 Q Countermeasure version TBM-3Q
P Patrol 1922–1962 R Transport version PBM-3R
P Pursuit 1923 S Antisubmarine version P5M-2S
PB Patrol Bomber 1935–1946 T Training version R4D-5T
PT Patrol Torpedo 1922 U Utility version PBM-3U
PT Patrol Torpedo Bomber 1937–1938 W Special search version PB-1W
R Transport 1931–1962 Z Administrative version R4D-5Z
R Racer 1923–1928
S Scout 1922–1946 Table III
SB Scout Bomber 1934–1946 Manufacturer’s Designation
SN Scout Trainer 1939–1946 Letter Manufacturer Period
SO Scout Observation 1934–1946
T Torpedo 1922–1935 A Aeromarine Plane and Motor Co. 1922
T Transport 1927–1930 A Atlantic Aircraft Corp (American Fokker) 1927–1930
T Training 1946–1962 A Brewster Aeronautical 1935–1943
TB Torpedo Bomber 1936–1946 A General Aviation Corp (ex Atlantic) 1930–1932
TD Target Drone 1942–1946 A Noorduyn Aviation, Ltd. (Canada) 1946
U Utility 1946–1962 B Beech Aircraft Co. 1937–1962
B Boeing Aircraft Co. 1923–1962
Table II B Budd Manufacturing Co. 1942–1944
Special Purpose Suffix C Cessna Aircraft Corp. 1943–1951
C Culver Aircraft Corp. unknown–1946
Suffix
C Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Co. 1922–1946
Letter Meaning Example
C Curtiss Wright Corp 1948–1962
A Target towing and photography JRF-1A C DeHaviland Aircraft of Canada 1955–1962
A Nonfolding wings and no carrier provisions SB2C-1A D Douglas Aircraft Co. 1922–1967
A Armament on normally unarmed aircraft J2F-2A D McDonnell Aircraft Corp. 1942–1946
A Arresting gear normally on noncarrier planes SOC-3A D Radioplane Co. 1943–1948
A Amphibious version PBY-5A D Frankfort Sailplane Co. 1945–1946
A Land-based version of carrier aircraft F4F-3A DH DeHavilland Aircraft Co. Ltd. (England) 1927–1931
A Built for the Army Air Force SBD-3A DW Dayton-Wright Airplane Co. 1923
B Special armament version PB4Y-2B E Bellanca Aircraft Corp. 1931–1937
B British lend lease version JRF-6B E Cessna Aircraft Co. 1951–1962
C Carrier operating version of a noncarrier aircraft SNJ-2C E Edo Aircraft Corp. 1943–1962
C British-American standardized version PBM-3C E G. Elias & Brothers 1922–1924
C Equipped with two .50 cal. machine guns TBF-1C E Gould Aeronautical Corp. 1942–1945
C Cannon armament F4U-1C E Hiller Aircraft Corp. 1948–1962
D Drop tank configuration F4U-1D E Piper Aircraft Corp. 1941–1945
D Special search radar TBM-3D E Pratt-Read 1942–1945
E Special electronic version SB2C-4E F Fairchild Aircraft, Ltd. (Canada) 1942–1945
F Converted for use as a flagship PB2Y-3F F Columbia 1943–1944
G Air-sea-rescue version TBM-5G F Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp. 1931–1962
H Hospital version SNB-2H G Gallaudet Aircraft Corp. 1929–1935
H Air-sea rescue version PB2Y-5H G Globe Aircraft Corp 1946–1948
J Target towing version TBM-3J G Goodyear Aircraft Corp. 1942–1962
K Target drone version F6F-5K G Great Lakes Aircraft Corp. 1929–1935
L Search light version P2V-5L H Hall Aluminum 1928–1945
M Weather reconnaissance version PB4Y-2M H Howard Aircraft Co. 1941–1944
N Night operating version (all weather) F6F-5N H Huff, Daland & Co 1922–1927
P Photographic version SBD-2P H McDonnell Aircraft Corp 1946–1962
 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 471

Table III—Continued Table III—Continued

Manufacturer’s Designation Manufacturer’s Designation

Letter Manufacturer Period Letter Manufacturer Period

H Stearman-Hammond Aircraft Corp. 1937–1939 R Interstate Aircraft and Engineering Corp. 1942–1962
J Berliner/Joyce Aircraft Co. 1929–1935 R Radioplanes Co. 1948–1962
J North American Aviation 1937–1962 R Ryan Aeronautical Co. 1948–1962
K Fairchild Aircraft Corp. 1937–1942 S Schweizer Aircraft Corp. 1941–0000
K Kaman Aircraft Corp 1950–1962 S Sikorsky Aviation Corp. 1928–1962
K Kaiser Cargo Inc. Fleetwings Div. 1948–1962 S Sperry Gyroscope Co. 1948–1962
K Keystone 1927–1930 S Stearman Aircraft Co. 1934–1945
K Kinner Airplane & Motor Corp. 1935–1936 T Taylorcraft Aviation Corp. 1942–1946
L Bell Aircraft Corp. 1939–1962 T Tempco Aircraft Corp. 1955–1962
L Columbia 1944–1946 T New Standard Aircraft Corp. 1930–1934
L Grover Loening, Inc. 1923–1933 T The Northrop Corp. 1933–1937
L Loening Aeronautical Engineering Corp. 1922–1932 T Northrop Aircraft Inc. 1944–1962
M General Motors Corp. (Eastern Aircraft Div.) 1942–1945 T Timm Aircraft Corp. 1941–1943
M Glenn L. Martin Co. 1922–1962 U Lewis & Vought, Chance Vought, 1922–1962
N Gyrodyne Company of America 1955–1962 Vought Sikorsky
N Naval Aircraft Factory 1922–1948 V Vultee Aircraft Inc. 1943–1945
N Naval Air Development Station 1948–1962 V Lockheed Aircraft Corp. 1942–1962
O Lockheed Aircraft Corp. 1931–1962 W Canadian Car and Foundry Co., Ltd. 1942–1945
P Pitcairn Autogyro Co. 1931–1932 W Waco Aircraft Corp. 1934–1945
P Piasecki Helicopter Corp. 1946–1955 W Willys-Overland Co. 1948–1962
P Vertol Aircraft Corp. 1955–1962 W Wright Aeronautical Corp. 1922–1926
P Spartin Aircraft Co. 1940–1941 X Cox-Klemin Aircraft Corp. 1922–1924
Q Bristol Aeronautical Corp. 1941–1943 Y Consolidated Aircraft Corp. 1926–1954
Q Fairchild Engine and Airplane Co. 1928–1962 Y Convair Division (General Dynamics Corp) 1954–1962
Q Stinson Aircraft Corp. 1934–1936 Z Pennsylvania Aircraft Syndicate 1933–1934
R Aeronca Aircraft Corp. 1942–1946 A basic company name has been used in some of the above enteries even
R Ford Motor Co. 1927–1932 though the company may have undergone restructuring.
472 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

Naval Aircraft Redesignated in 1962

In 1962 a standardized system for designation of U.S. aircraft went into effect. The following is a list of naval
aircraft that were redesignated in 1962:

Old New Popular

Designation Designaton Name

Attack
A-1
AD-5 A-1E Skyraider
AD-5W EA-1E Skyraider
AD-5Q EA-1F Skyraider
AD-5N A-1G Skyraider
AD-6 A-1H Skyraider
AD-7 A-1J Skyraider

A-2
AJ-1 A-2A Savage

A-3
A3D-1 A-3A Skywarrior
A3D-1Q EA-3A Skywarrior
A3D-2 A-3B Skywarrior
A3D-2Q EA-3B Skywarrior
A3D-2P RA-3B Skywarrior
A3D-2T TA-3B Skywarrior

A-4
A4D-1 A-4A Skyhawk
A4D-2 A-4B Skyhawk
A4D-2N A-4C Skyhawk
A4D-5 A-4E Skyhawk

A-5
A3J-1 A-5A Vigilante
A3J-2 A-5B Vigilante
A3J-3 A-5C Vigilante

A-6
A2F-1 A-6A Intruder
A2F-1H EA-6A Intruder

Fighters
F-1
FJ-3 F-1C Fury
FJ-3D DF-1C Fury
FJ-3M MF-1C Fury
FJ-3D2 DF-1D Fury
FJ-4 F-1E Fury
FJ-4B AF-1E Fury

F-2
F2H-3 F-2C Banshee
F2H-4 F-2D Banshee
 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 473

Naval Aircraft Redesignated in 1962—Continued

Old New Popular
Designation Designaton Name

F-3
F3H-2 F-3B Demon
F3H-2M MF-3B Demon
F3H-2N F-3C Demon

F-4
F4H-1F F-4A Phantom II
F4H-1 F-4B Phantom II
F4H-1P RF-4B Phantom II

F-6
F4D-1 F-6A Skyray

F-7
YF2Y-1 YF-7A Sea Dart

F-8
F8U-1 F-8A Crusader
F8U-1D DF-8A Crusader
F8U-1KD QF-8A Crusader
F8U-1P RF-8A Crusader
F8U-1T TF-8A Crusader
F8U-1E F-8B Crusader
F8U-2 F-8C Crusader
F8U-2N F-8D Crusader
F8U-2NE F-8E Crusader

F-9
F9F-5KD DF-9E Cougar
F9F-6 F-9F Cougar
F9F-6D DF-9F Cougar
F9F-6K QF-9F Cougar
F9F-6K2 QF-9G Cougar
F9F-7 F-9H Cougar
F9F-8 F-9J Cougar
F9F-8B AF-9J Cougar
F9F-8P RF-9J Cougar
F9F-8T TF-9J Cougar

F-10
F3D-1 F-10A Sky Knight
F3D-2 F-10B Sky Knight
F3D-2M MF-10B Sky Knight
F3D-2Q EF-10B Sky Knight
F3D-2T2 TF-10B Sky Knight

F-11
F11F-1 F-11A Tiger

F-111
TFX F-111B
474 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

Naval Aircraft Redesignated in 1962—Continued

Old New Popular
Designation Designaton Name

Patrol
P-2
P2V-4 P-2D Neptune
P2V-5F P-2E Neptune
P2V-5FD DP-2E Neptune
P2V-5FE EP-2E Neptune
P2V-5FS SP-2E Neptune
P2V-6 P-2F Neptune
P2V-6M MP-2F Neptune
P2V-6T TP-2F Neptune
P2V-6F P-2G Neptune
P2V-7 P-2H Neptune
P2V-7S SP-2H Neptune
P2V-7LP LP-2J Neptune

P-3
YP3V-1 YP-3A Orion
P3V-1 P-3A Orion

P-4

P4Y-2K QP-4B Privateer

P-5

P5M-1 P-5A Marlin

P5M-1S SP-5A Marlin
P5M-1T TP-5A Marlin
P5M-2 P-5B Marlin
P5M-2S SP-5B Marlin

Antisubmarine
S-2
S2F-1 S-2A Tracker
S2F-1T TS-2A Tracker
S2F-1S S-2B Tracker
S2F-2 S-2C Tracker
S2F-2P RS-2C Tracker
S2F-3 S-2D Tracker
S2F-3S S-2E Tracker

Airborne Early Warning

E-1
WF-2 E-1B Tracer

E-2
W2F-1 E-2A Hawkeye

Observation
O-1
OE-1 O-1B Bird Dog
OE-2 O-1C Bird Dog
 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 475

Naval Aircraft Redesignated in 1962—Continued

Old New Popular
Designation Designaton Name

Helicopters
H-1
HU-1E UH-1E Iroquois

H-2
HU2K-1 UH-2A Seasprite
HU2K-1U UH-2B Seasprite

H-3
HSS-2 SH-3A Sea King
HSS-2Z VH-3A Sea King

H-13
HTL-4 TH-13L Sioux
HTL-6 TH-13M Sioux
HTL-7 TH-13N Sioux
HUL-1 UH-13P Sioux
HUL-1M UH-13R Sioux

H-19
HRS-3 CH-19E
HO4S-3 UH-19F

H-25
HUP-2 UH-25B Retriever
HUP-3 UH-25C Retriever

H-34
HSS-1L LH-34D Seahorse
HSS-1 SH-34G Seahorse
HUS-1 UH-34D Seahorse
HUS-1Z VH-34D Seahorse
HUS-1A UH-34E Seahorse
HSS-1F SH-34H Seahorse
HSS-1N SH-34J Seahorse

H-37
HR2S-1 CH-37C Mojave

H-43
HUK-1 UH-43C
HOK-1 OH-43D

H-46
HRB-1 CH-46A Sea Knight

H-50
DSN-1 QH-50A DASH
DSN-2 QH-50B DASH
DSN-3 QH-50C DASH
476 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

Naval Aircraft Redesignated in 1962—Continued

Old New Popular
Designation Designaton Name

Bombers
JD-1 UB-26J Invader
JD-1D DB-26J Invader

Utility
U-1
UC-1 U-1B Otter

U-6
L-20A U-6A Beaver

U-11
UO-1 U-11A Aztec

U-16
UF-1 HU-16C Albatross
UF-1L LU-16C Albatross
UF-1T TU-16C Albatross
UF-2 HU-16D Albatross

Cargo/Transport
C-1
TF-1 C-1A Trader
TF-1Q EC-1A

C-45
SNB-5P RC-45J
SNB-5 TC-45J

C-47
R4D-5 C-47H Skytrain
R4D-5Q EC-47H Skytrain
R4D-5L LC-47H Skytrain
R4D-5S SC-47H Skytrain
R4D-5R TC-47H Skytrain
R4D-5Z VC-47H Skytrain
R4D-6 C-47J Skytrain
R4D-6Q EC-47J Skytrain
R4D-6L LC-47J Skytrain
R4D-6S SC-47J Skytrain
R4D-6R TC-47J Skytrain
R4D-6Z VC-47J Skytrain
R4D-7 TC-47K Skytrain

C-54
R5D-1Z VC-54N Skymaster
R5D-2 C-54P Skymaster
R5D-2Z VC-54P Skymaster
R5D-3 C-54Q Skymaster
R5D-3Z VC-54Q Skymaster
 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 477

Naval Aircraft Redesignated in 1962—Continued

Old New Popular
Designation Designaton Name

R5D-4R C-54R Skymaster

R5D-5 C-54S Skymaster
R5D-5Z VC-54S Skymaster
R5D-5R C-54T Skymaster

C-117
R4D-8 C-117D Skytrain
R4D-8L LC-117D Skytrain
R4D-8Z VC-117D Skytrain
R4D-8T TC-117D Skytrain

C-118
R6D-1 C-118B Liftmaster
R6D-1Z VC-118B Liftmaster

C-119
R4Q-2 C-119F Packet

C-121
R7V-1 C-121J Constellation
WV-2 EC-121K Warning Star
WV-3 WC-121N
WV-2E EC-121L Warning Star
WV-2Q EC-121M Warning Star

C-130
GV-1U C-130F Hercules
GV-1 KC-130F Hercules
C-130BL LC-130F Hercules

C-131
R4Y-1 C-131F Convair Liner
R4Y-2 C-131G Convair Liner

C-140
UV-1 C-140C Jet Star

Training
T-1
T2V-1 T-1A Sea Star

T-2
T2J-1 T-2A Buckeye
T2J-2 T-2B Buckeye

T-28
T-28A T-28A Trojan
T-28B T-28B Trojan
T-28BD DT-28B Trojan
T-28C T-28C Trojan
478 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

Naval Aircraft Redesignated in 1962—Continued

Old New Popular
Designation Designaton Name

T-33
TV-2 T-33B Shooting Star
TV-2D DT-33B Shooting Star
TV-2KD DT-33C Shooting Star

T-34
T-34B T-34B Mentor

T-39
T3J-1 T-39D Sabreliner

Airship
ZPG-2W EZ-1B Reliance
ZPG-2 SZ-1B
ZPG-3W EZ-1C
 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 479

DoD Designation System, 1962 to Present

In the following list the primary emphasis is on new aircraft model designations accepted after the Navy adopted
the Department of Defense aircraft designation system in 1962. Aircraft that were in service and redesignated under
the DoD Designation System will only have the primary designation (basic mission) listed. As an example, the AD-6
and AD-7 were redesignated A-1H and A-1J respectively. However, only A-1, the primary designation, will be listed
instead of all the model variations. The modified mission designations will normally not be listed. Hence, designa-
tions such as RC-45J or TC-45J will not always be listed. However, the basic mission designation C-45 will be listed.
Only officially designated popular names are placed in this list. A more comprehensive list of pre-1962 aircraft des-
ignations will be found in the 1923–1962 Navy System list.

Post-1962 Original Popular Name Only, Manufacturer

DOD Navy other Designations or Source
Designation Designation and Miscellaneous
Before 1962 Data

A-1 AD Skyraider Douglas

A-2 AJ Savage North American
A-3 A3D Skywarrior Douglas
A-4 A4D Skyhawk Douglas
TA-4E/F/J Skyhawk Douglas
A-5 A3J Vigilante North American
RA-5C Vigilante North American
A-6A/B/C/E A2F Intruder Grumman
EA-6A A2F-1Q Intruder Grumman
KA-6D Intruder Grumman
EA-6B Prowler Grumman
A-7A/B/C/E Corsair II Vought
AV-8A/TAV-8A Harrier Hawker-Siddeley
AV-8B/TAV-8B Harrier II McDonnell Douglas
F/A-18A/B/C/D/E/F Hornet McDonnell Douglas
EB-47E Stratojet Boeing
C-1 TF-1 Trader Grumman
C-2A Greyhound Grumman
VC-3A RM Model 404 Martin
TC-4C Academe Grumman
UC-8A Buffalo, DHC-5 DeHavilland
C-9B Skytrain II, DC-9 McDonnell Douglas
UC-12B/F/M Huron Beech
C-20D/G Gulfstream Gulfstream Aerospace
EC-24A DC-8 McDonnell Douglas
UC-27A F-27F Fokker (Fairchild-built)
C-28A Model 404 Cessna
C-45H/J SNB-5 Navigator Beech
C-47 R4D Skytrain Douglas
C-54 R5D Skymaster Douglas
C-117 R4D-8 Skytrain Douglas
C-118B R6D Liftmaster Douglas
C-119 R4Q Packet Fairchild
C-121 R7V Constellation Lockheed
EC-121 WV Warning Star Lockheed
C-130 GV/R8V Hercules Lockheed
C-131H R4Y Samaritan Convair
NKC-135A Stratotanker Boeing
UC-880 Convair 880 Convair
E-1 WF Tracer Grumman
480 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

DoD Designation System, 1962 to Present—Continued

Post-1962 Original Popular Name Only, Manufacturer
DOD Navy other Designations or Source
Designation Designation and Miscellaneous
Before 1962 Data

E-2A/B/C W2F Hawkeye Grumman

E-6 Hermes (redesignated Mercury) Boeing
E-6A Mercury Boeing
F-1 FJ Fury North American
F-2 F2H Banshee McDonnell
F-3 F3H Demon McDonnell
F-4A/B/C/J/N/S F4H Phantom II McDonnell
F-5E/F Tiger II Northrop
F-6 F4D Skyray Douglas
F-8 F8U Crusader Vought
F-9 F9F Cougar Grumman
F-10 F3D Sky Knight Douglas
F-11 F11F Tiger Grumman
F-14A/A+/B/D Tomcat Grumman
F-16N Fighting Falcon General Dynamics
TF-16 Fighting Falcon General Dynamics
YF-17 Northrop
F/A-18A/B/C/D/E/F Hornet McDonnell Douglas
F-21A Kfir Israel Aircraft
F-86H Sabre North American
QF-86F Sabre North American
F-111B Grumman/General Dynamics
AH-1G/S Cobra Bell
AH-1J/T/W Sea Cobra Bell
UH-1C/D/E/H/M/N HU-1 Iroquois Bell
TH-1E/F/L Iroquois Bell
H-2 HU2K Seasprite Kaman
H-3 HSS-2 Sea King Sikorsky
OH-6A/B Cayuse Hughes
H-13 HTL/HUL Sioux Bell
H-19 HRS-3 Chickasaw Sikorsky
H-l9 HO4S-3 Chickasaw Sikorsky
H-25 HUP Retriever Piasecki (Vertol)
H-34 HSS-1 Sea Bat Sikorsky
H-34 HUS Seahorse Sikorsky
H-37 HR2S Mojave Sikorsky
H-43 HOK Huskie Kaman
H-46 HRB Sea Knight Boeing Vertol
QH-50D,-50C DSN DASH Gyrodyne
H-51 L-186, tri-service evaluation Lockheed
H-52 HU2S Coast Guard helo Sikorsky
CH-53A/D Sea Stallion Sikorsky
CH-53E Super Stallion Sikorsky
MH-53E Sea Dragon Sikorsky
TH-57A/B/C Sea Ranger Bell
OH-58A Kiowa Bell
H-60 Sea Hawk Sikorsky
VH-60N White Hawk Sikorsky
 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 481

DoD Designation System, 1962 to Present—Continued

Post-1962 Original Popular Name Only, Manufacturer
DOD Navy other Designations or Source
Designation Designation and Miscellaneous
Before 1962 Data

H-65 Dolphin, Coast Guard Aerospatiale

O-1A/B/C/G OE L-19A Cessna
O-2A Cessna
P-2 P2V Neptune Lockheed
P-3A/B/C P3V Orion Lockheed
EP-3A/B Orion Lockheed
RP-3D Orion Lockheed
QP-4B PB4Y-2K Privateer Consolidated
P-5 P5M Marlin Martin
S-2 S2F Tracker Grumman
S-3A/B Viking Lockheed
ES-3A Shadow Lockheed
T-1 T2V Sea Star Lockheed
T-2A/B/C T2J Buckeye North American
T-28A/B/C T-28 Trojan North American
T-29B/C Flying Classroom Convair
T-33 TO/TV Shooting Star Lockheed
T-34B/C T-34 Mentor Beech
T-38A/B Talon Northrop
T-39 T3J Sabreliner North American
T-41B Mescalero Cessna
T-42A Cochise Beech
T-44A King Air 90 Beech
T-45A/B Goshawk McDonnell Douglas
T-47A Cessna Citation II Cessna
U-1 UC Otter DeHavilland
U-3A/B Model 310 Cessna
U-6A Beaver, L-20A DeHavilland
U-8D/F/G Seminole Beech
U-9D Aero Commander Aero Design
U-11 UO Aztec Piper
U-16 JR2F/UF Albatross Grumman
U-21A Ute Beech
OV-1A/B/C Mohawk Grumman
XV-6A Kestrels Hawker-Siddeley
OV-10A/D Bronco North American
XFV-12A Prototype of a high Rockwell International
performance V/STOL fighter,
never operational.
AV-16A Joint proposal in 1973 for an McDonnell Douglas/
advanced version of the AV-8. Hawker-Siddeley
V-22 Osprey Bell/Boeing
X-22A Bell
X-25A Bensen
X-26A Schweizer
X-26B QT-2PC Lockheed/Schweizer
X-28A Pereira
X-31A Rockwell/DASA
YEZ-2A Operational development - Westinghouse Airships Inc.
model airship.
482 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

How to Read the DoD Aircraft Table V

Modified Mission Symbols
Model Designations
Letter Title
The Navy system had worked well for forty years, A Attack
however, Congress decreed in 1962 that there should C Cargo/Transport
only be one system to designate military aircraft in the D Director
United States. The new system was based on the Air E Special Electronic Installation
Force system and the aircraft manufacturer was no H Search/Rescue
K Tanker
longer identified. While there were relatively few L Cold Weather
changes to Air Force aircraft designations, the Navy M Missile Carrier
made a complete change. Aircraft models all started with Q Drone
the numeral 1, except for those aircraft on hand which R Reconnaissance
were used by both services, in which case the existing S Antisubmarine
Air Force designation applied. Thus, the FJ-3 became the T Trainer
F-1C, while the SNB-5P became the RC-45J. It must be U Utility
V Staff
emphasized that the placement of the dash is critical to
W Weather
distinguish aircraft under the new system from those
under the previous Navy system. For example, the F4B- Table VI
4 was a Boeing biplane fighter of the mid 30’s, while the Basic Mission and Type Symbols
F-4B is an early version of the Phantom II. Letter Title
The new system consisted of a Status Prefix Symbol
(letter), a Basic Mission Symbol (letter), a Design A Attack
B Bomber
Number (numeral), a Modified Mission Symbol (let- C Cargo/Transport
ter), a Series letter, and a Type Symbol (letter). A E Special Electronic Installation
Design Number was assigned for each basic mission F Fighter
or type. New design numbers were assigned when an H Helicopter
existing aircraft was redesigned to an extent that it no K Tanker
longer reflected the original configuration or capabili- O Observation
ty. A Series Letter was assigned to each series change P Patrol
S Antisubmarine
of a specific basic design. To avoid confusion, the let-
T Trainer
ters “I” and “O” were not used as series letters. The U Utility
Series letter was always in consecutive order, starting V VTOL and STOL
with “A”. X Research
A typical designation was as follows: Z Airship

Status Prefix Basic Mission/Type Series Letter

Y A F — 1 E

Modified Mission Design Number

This was the Y/FJ-4B under the Navy system and

the YAF-1E under the new DoD system.

Table IV
Status Prefix Symbols
Letter Title

G Permanently Grounded
J Special Test, Temporary
N Special Test, Permanent
X Experimental
Y Prototype
Z Planning
 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 483

Alphabetical Listing of Popular

Names
Aircraft Popular Names

The official assignment of names to naval aircraft service procurement of aircraft, thus the North
began 1 October 1941 when a Navy Department press American Trojan which was used as a trainer by the
release reported that the Secretary issued orders Air Force retained the Air Force designation T-28
assigning names “for popular use” to a number of in- when procured for naval service. Designations of air-
service and developmental aircraft. This decision was craft already in service were not changed at that time.
first acknowledged in the April 1942 edition of the On 18 September 1962, the Department of Defense
Model Designation of Naval Aircraft (SH-3AF) pub- issued a uniform model designation system and direct-
lished by the Bureau of Aeronautics. A War ed its immediate adoption. The new system, adapted
Department Press Release of 4 January 1943 distribut- from the Air Force model designation system, assigned
ed a consolidated list of names for Navy and Army a basic mission letter followed by a number which
aircraft, thus beginning interservice coordination on indicated the sequential relationship of aircraft
aircraft names. This latter press release pointed out designed for the mission. Thus, the Navy AD was
that the practice of naming aircraft had long been in redesignated A-l. To avoid compounding the confu-
effect in England, “In order that the general public sion, the new system, insofar as was possible, correlat-
may get a better idea of the character of military air- ed the new designation of naval aircraft with the older
craft and more easily identify the combat planes men- designation; thus, the F9F became the F-9 and the F8U
tioned in press dispatches from the battlefields of the became the F-8. By the same token, the three in-ser-
world. . . .” vice patrol planes, the P2V, the P3V and P5M were
Prior to October 1941, manufacturers on occasion redesignated P-2, P-3 and P-5 even though the desig-
chose to use names for an aircraft model or a series of nation P-l was not assigned.
models; thus, the Curtiss Company used the name To summarize the foregoing, the Navy developed an
Helldiver for aircraft which they built as naval dive aircraft model designation system in the early 1920’s
bombers from the late 1920’s. The October 1941 action and used it until 1962 when it was replaced by a
officially assigned the name Helldiver to the latest Department of Defense unified system. The official
member of the family, the SB2C. Vought choose to use assignment of names to naval aircraft did not begin
the name Corsair for a series of carrier-based aircraft until 1941; interservice coordination began in 1943,
which included the 02U and the 03U/SU; in October thus, the system for naming aircraft has changed little
1941 the Navy officially assigned the name Corsair to since the practice became official over 50 years ago.
Vought’s new fighter, the F4U. In compiling the listing for popular names, one of
Although assignment of aircraft names was coordi- the thorniest difficulties was the problem of distin-
nated by the Army and Navy from 1943, each service guishing between what the official records said and
had developed its own model designation system what has long been accepted as fact. For example,
independently. The result was that the U.S. military few aviation historians believe that the SB2C-5 was
forces used two separate model designation systems. ever assigned the name Hellcat, yet it does appear in
Moreover, when the Navy used an Army Air Forces the Bureau of Aeronautics’ Model Designation of
aircraft, it assigned a designation based upon its own Naval Aircraft. Because this particular case is so
system; thus, the Army Air Force’s B-24 became the extraordinary, there seemed ample reason to consider
PB4Y-l in Navy service while such trainers as the Army it an error; therefore, the SB2C-5 does not appear in
Air Force’s AT-6 and PT-13/-17 were the Navy SNJ and this listing as a Hellcat. Others were equally question-
N2S. able and were accordingly omitted. However, when
On 19 August 1952, the Joint Aircraft Committee of sufficient doubt was present, the designation and its
the Munitions Board took an initial step to eliminate name were included here. As a result, some of the
multiple designations by establishing the policy that information in this listing will raise the eyebrows of
original model designations would generally be those readers who are familiar with the popular names
retained by the second service in the event of cross- of naval aircraft.
484 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

Within the Alphabetical Listing of Popular Names the designation in parentheses. They are listed
the column headings are as follows: because they were the original designations of the air-
Popular Names.—The popular names the Navy craft to which the Navy later assigned a name under a
assigned to its aircraft are listed alphabetically. Cross- new designation.
references are given when different names were Redesignation to the Post 1962 DOD
assigned to different models of the same basic aircraft. Designation.—In 1962 the Department of Defense
In a few cases two different names were assigned to standardized its system of aircraft designations. Most
identical aircraft models. These are cross-referenced naval aircraft, however, retained the same popular
here. Also in rare instances entirely different aircraft name. Basic designations are listed unless specific
have the same name, if so, the name is listed twice. models were assigned different names. They are
Original Navy Designation, pre-1962.—The origi- included because they are the redesignations of air-
nal designation was the first designation under which craft to which the Navy had previously assigned a
the Navy accepted the aircraft. Basic designations are name under its original designation. New aircraft
listed unless specific models were assigned different acquired after 1962 and the new post 1962 aircraft
names. The Navy never officially assigned a name to designation are listed in this column.

Redesignation to the Post Redesignation to the Post

Original Navy 1962 DOD Designation Original Navy 1962 DOD Designation
Popular Designation, System or New Post 1962 Popular Designation, System or New Post 1962
Names pre-1962 Designation Names pre-1962 Designation

Academe TC-4C Caydet (also Kaydet) N2S

Aero Commander U-9 Cayuse OH-6A/B

Albatross JR2F/UF U-16 Chickasaw (HO4S-3) H-19

(HRS-3) H-19
Avenger TBF
TBM Cobra AH-1
Avenger II A-12 (never acquired) Cochise T-42A
Aztec UO U-11
Commando R5C
Banshee F2H F-2
Connestoga RB
Bearcat F8F
Constellation PO
Beaver U-6 (see Warning Star) WV-1
R70/R7V C-121
Bird Dog (OE) O-1
Constitution R60/R6V
Black Widow F2T
Convair Liner R4Y C-131
Bobcat JRC
Coronado PB2Y
Bronco OV-10
Corsair F4U
Buccaneer SB2A FG
F3A
Buckeye T2J T-2 AU
F2G
Buffalo F2A
Corsair II A-7
Buffalo UC-8A
Cougar F9F-6,-7,-8 F-9
Catalina PBY
PB2B
Crusader F8U F-8
PBN
 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 485

Redesignation to the Post Redesignation to the Post

Original Navy 1962 DOD Designation Original Navy 1962 DOD Designation
Popular Designation, System or New Post 1962 Popular Designation, System or New Post 1962
Names pre-1962 Designation Names pre-1962 Designation

Crusader III F8U-3 Havoc BD

Cutlass F7U Hawkeye W2F E-2

DASH (DSN) QH-50 Hellcat F6F

Dauntless SBD Helldiver SB2C

SBC-3,-4
Demon F3H F-3 SBW
SBF
Destroyer (SB2D)
BTD Hercules GV C-130
Devastator (XTB2D-1) Hermes E-6 (changed to
TBD (see Mercury) Mercury)
Dolphin H-65 Hornet F/A-18
Duck (JF) J2F Hoverfly HNS-1
Excalibur JR2S Hudson PBO
Expediter JRB-1 thru -4 C-45 Huron UC-12B
Falcon SNC
Huskie (HOK) H-43
(HUK)
Fighting Falcon F-16
Intruder A2F A-6
Fireball FR
Invader JD B-26
Flying Classroom T-29

Flying Fortress PB-1G, -1W Iroquois UH-1/TH-1

Forwarder GK Jaguar F1OF

Fury FJ F-l Kansan SNB-1

Goose JRF Kaydet N2S

(see Caydet)
Goshawk T-45
Kfir F-21A
Grasshopper NE
Kingfisher OS2U
OS2N
Greyhound C-2 Kiowa OH-58A

Guardian AF Liberator PB4Y-1/P4Y-1

Gulfstream C-20D Liberator Express RY-1

Harpoon PV-2 Liftmaster R6D C-118

Harrier AV-8A Lodestar R50

Harrier II AV-8B Marauder JM

486 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

Redesignation to the Post Redesignation to the Post

Original Navy 1962 DOD Designation Original Navy 1962 DOD Designation
Popular Designation, System or New Post 1962 Popular Designation, System or New Post 1962
Names pre-1962 Designation Names pre-1962 Designation

Mariner PBM Recruit NR

Marlin P5M P-5 Reliance ZPG-2W EZ-1

Mars PB2M Rescuer HRP

JRM
Retriever HUP H-25
Mauler (BTM-1), AM
Sabre (F-86) QF-86
Mentor T-34 T-34
Sabreliner (T3J) T-39
Mercator P4M
Samaritan C-131
Mercury E-6A
(see Hermes) Savage AJ A-2

Mescalero T-41B Sea Bat (HSS-1) H-34

Mitchell PBJ Sea Cobra AH-1J/T/W

Mohawk OV-1A/B/C Sea Dart F2Y F-7

Mojave (HR2S) H-37 Sea Dragon MH-53

Navigator SNB-2C, -5 C-45 Seafarer ZPG-2 SZ-1

Neptune P2V P-2 Seagull (not official) SOC, SO3C

Nightingale GH, NH Seahawk SC

Norseman JA Sea Hawk SH-60B

Orion P3V P-3 Seahorse (HUS) H-34

Osprey V-22A Sea King (HSS-2) H-3

Otter UC U-1 Sea Knight (HRB) H-46

Packet R4Q C-119 Seamaster P6M

Panther F9F-2, -4, -5 DF-9 Seamew SO3C

Phantom FD, FH Sea Ranger XPBB-1

Phantom II F4H F-4 Sea Ranger H-57

Pinto TT-1 Seasprite HU2K H-2

Pirate F6U Sea Stallion H-53 thru H-53D

Privateer PB4Y-2, P4Y-2 QP-4B Sea Star T2V T-1

Prowler EA-6B Sea Wolf (also Seawolf) TBY

Puss Moth XDH-80 Seminole U-8

 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995 487

Redesignation to the Post Redesignation to the Post

Original Navy 1962 DOD Designation Original Navy 1962 DOD Designation
Popular Designation, System or New Post 1962 Popular Designation, System or New Post 1962
Names pre-1962 Designation Names pre-1962 Designation

Sentinel OY Texan SNJ

Shadow ES-3A Tiger F11F F-11

Shooting Star TV, TO T-33 Tiger II F-5

Tigercat F7F
Sioux (HTL), HUL H-13
Tomcat F-14
Skyhawk A4D A-4
Tracer WF E-1
Sky Knight F3D F-10
Tracker S2F S-2
Skylancer F5D
Trader TF-1 C-1
Skymaster R5D C-54
Tradewind R3Y
Skyraider (BT2D), AD A-1
Traveler GB
Skyray F4D F-6
Trojan T-28 T-28
Skyrocket D-558-2
Tutor N2T
Skyshark A2D Ute U-21A
Skytrain R4D-1, -5, -6, -7 C-47 Valiant SNV
R4D-8 C-117
Ventura PV-1, -3
Skytrain II C-9
Vigilante A3J A-5
Skystreak D-558-1
Viking S-3
Skytrooper R4D-2,-3,-4
Vindicator SB2U
Skywarrior A3D A-3
Volunteer ZSG-1
Stratojet EB-47E
Warning Star WV EC-121
(See Constellation)
Stratotanker NKC-135A
White Hawk VH-60N
Super Fortress P2B-1
Widgeon J4F
Super Stallion CH-53E/RH-53/MH-53E
Wildcat F4F
Talon T-38 FM
488 UNITED STATES NAVAL AVIATION 1910–1995

The Navy and Marine Corps early helicopter, the HNS-1, demonstrates its air-sea rescue capabilities by retrieving a pilot from his ditched SBD, CG-3649.