Harman Patil (Editor)

List of military aircraft of the United States

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List of military aircraft of the United States

This list of military aircraft of the United States includes prototype, pre-production, and operational types. For aircraft in service, see the List of active United States military aircraft. Prototypes are normally prefixed with "X" and are often unnamed (note that these are not the same as the experimental X-planes, which are not generally expected to go into production), while pre-production models are usually prefixed with "Y".

Contents

The United States military employs a designation and naming system to provide identifications to all aircraft types. Until 1962, the United States Army, United States Air Force (formerly Army Air Force), and United States Navy all maintained separate systems. In September 1962, these were unified into a single system heavily reflecting the Air Force method. For more complete information on the workings of this system, refer to United States Department of Defense Aerospace Vehicle Designations.

This list does not include aircraft used by the U.S. military services prior to the establishment of a numerical designation system. For these aircraft, see List of military aircraft of the United States (1909–1919). It also does not include aircraft designated under the pre-1962 United States Navy designation system. For these aircraft, see List of military aircraft of the United States (naval).

Prior to 1919

Prior to 1919, all planes flown by the Army Air Service and the Navy were referred to by the designation given to them by their manufacturer. A variety of both domestic and foreign types were operated, with the latter being the primary front-line types during the First World War.

Army Air Service, 1919–1924

In September 1919, the Army Air Service decided that it needed an organized designation sequence, and adopted fifteen classifications, designated by Roman numerals. Several other unnumbered designations were added later. Each designation was assigned an abbreviation, and each design a number within that abbreviation. Variants were designated by alphabetically appending letters to the design number.

Type O: Foreign-Built Pursuit Aircraft

  • Fokker D.VII – Fokker
  • Fokker D.VIII – Fokker
  • Type I: Pursuit, water-cooled

  • PW-1 – Engineering Division
  • PW-2 – Loening
  • PW-3 – Orenco
  • PW-4 – Gallaudet
  • PW-5 – Fokker
  • PW-6 – Fokker
  • PW-7 – Fokker
  • PW-8 – Curtiss
  • PW-9 – Boeing
  • Type II: Pursuit, night

  • PN-1 – Curtiss
  • Type III: Pursuit, air-cooled

  • PA-1 – Loening
  • Type IV: Pursuit, ground attack, 1922

  • PG-1 – Aeromarine
  • Type V: Two-seat pursuit

  • TP-1 – Engineering Division
  • Type VI: Ground attack, 1920–1922

  • GA-1 – Boeing
  • GA-2 – Boeing
  • Type VII: Infantry liaison

  • IL-1 – Orenco
  • Type VIII: Night observation

  • NO-1 – Douglas
  • NO-2 – Douglas
  • Type IX: Artillery observation

  • AO-1 – Atlantic
  • Type X: Corps observation

  • CO-1 – Engineering Division
  • CO-2 – Engineering Division
  • CO-3 – Engineering Division
  • CO-4 – Atlantic
  • CO-5 – Engineering Division
  • CO-6 – Engineering Division
  • CO-7 – Boeing
  • CO-8 – Atlantic
  • Type XI: Day bombardment

  • DB-1 – Gallaudet
  • Type XII: Night bombardment, short range

  • NBS-1 – Martin (originally designated MB-2)
  • NBS-2 – Lowe-Willard-Fowler
  • NBS-3 – Elias
  • NBS-4 – Curtiss
  • Type XIII: Night bombardment, long range

  • NBL-1 – Witteman-Lewis
  • NBL-2 – Martin
  • Type XIV: Trainer, air-cooled

  • TA-1 – Elias
  • TA-2 – Huff-Daland
  • TA-3 – Dayton-Wright Aircraft
  • TA-4 – Engineering Division
  • TA-5 – Dayton-Wright Aircraft
  • TA-6 – Huff-Daland
  • Type XV: Trainer, water-cooled

  • TW-1 – Engineering Division
  • TW-2 – Cox-Klemin
  • TW-3 – Dayton-Wright Aircraft
  • TW-4 – Fokker
  • TW-5 – Huff-Daland
  • Ambulance, 1919–1924

  • A-1 – Cox-Klemin
  • A-2 – Fokker
  • Messenger

  • M-1 – Engineering Division/Sperry
  • Pursuit, special

  • PS-1 – Dayton-Wright
  • Racer

  • R-1 – Alfred V. Verville
  • R-2 – Thomas-Morse
  • R-3 – Verville-Sperry
  • R-4 – Loening
  • R-5 – Thomas-Morse
  • R-6 – Curtiss
  • R-7 – Engineering Division
  • R-8 – Curtisss
  • Seaplane

  • S-1 – Loening
  • Transport

  • T-1 – Martin
  • T-2 – Fokker
  • T-3 – Lowe-Willard-Fowler
  • Attack, 1924–1948

  • A-1 – skipped to prevent confusion with Cox-Klemin XA-1
  • A-2 – Douglas
  • A-3 Falcon – Curtiss
  • A-4 Falcon – Curtiss
  • A-5 Falcon – Curtiss
  • A-6 Falcon – Curtiss
  • A-7 – Fokker
  • A-8 – Curtiss
  • A-9 – Lockheed
  • A-10 Shrike – Curtiss
  • A-11 – Consolidated
  • A-12 Shrike – Curtiss
  • A-13 – Northrop
  • A-14 – Curtiss
  • A-15 – Martin
  • A-16 – Northrop
  • A-17 Nomad – Northrop
  • A-18 Shrike – Curtiss
  • A-19 – Vultee
  • A-20 Havoc – Douglas (redesignated as B-20 in 1948)
  • A-21 – Stearman
  • A-22 – Martin (assigned but none served with AAF)
  • A-23 Baltimore – Martin
  • A-24 Banshee – Douglas (redesignated as F-24 in 1948)
  • A-25 Shrike – Curtiss
  • A-26 Invader – Douglas (redesignated as B-26 in 1948, then as A-26 in 1966)
  • A-27 – North American
  • A-28 Hudson – Lockheed
  • A-29 Hudson – Lockheed
  • A-30 – Martin (assigned to allow supply to the UK under Lend-lease)
  • A-31 Vengeance – Vultee
  • A-32 – Brewster
  • A-33 – Douglas
  • A-34 – Brewster
  • A-35 Vengeance – Vultee
  • A-36 Apache/Invader – North American
  • A-37 – Hughes
  • A-38 Grizzly – Beechcraft
  • A-39 – Kaiser-Fleetwings
  • A-40 – Curtiss
  • A-41 – Vultee
  • A-42 Mixmaster – Douglas
  • A-43 Blackhawk – Curtiss-Wright
  • A-44 – Convair
  • A-45 – Martin
  • Bomber

    Until 1926, the Army Air Service had three sequences for bombers. Light bombers were indicated by the LB- prefix, medium bombers by the B- prefix, and heavy bombers by the HB- prefix. In 1926, the three-category system was scrapped and all bombers subsequently built were placed in the B- sequence.

    Light Bomber, 1924–1926

  • LB-1 – Huff-Daland (later Keystone)
  • LB-2 – Atlantic Aircraft Corporation (Fokker Aircraft Corp after 1925)
  • LB-3 – Keystone
  • Martin LB-4 – serial number assigned but prototype not built
  • LB-5 – Keystone
  • LB-6 – Keystone
  • LB-7 – Keystone
  • LB-8 – Keystone
  • LB-9 – Keystone
  • LB-10 – Keystone
  • LB-11 – Keystone
  • LB-12 – Keystone
  • LB-13 – Keystone
  • LB-14 – Keystone
  • Medium Bomber, 1924–1926

  • B-1 – Huff-Daland
  • B-2 Condor – Curtiss
  • Heavy Bomber, 1924–1926

  • HB-1 – Huff-Daland
  • HB-2 – Atlantic/Fokker
  • HB-3 – Huff-Daland
  • Unified bomber sequence, 1926–1962

  • B-1 – Huff-Daland/Keystone
  • B-2 Condor – Curtiss
  • B-3 – Keystone
  • B-4 – Keystone
  • B-5 – Keystone
  • B-6 – Keystone
  • B-7 – Douglas
  • B-8 – Fokker
  • B-9 – Boeing
  • B-10 – Martin
  • B-11 – Douglas
  • B-12 – Martin
  • B-13 – Martin
  • B-14 – Martin
  • B-15 – Boeing
  • B-16 – Martin
  • B-17 Flying Fortress – Boeing
  • B-18 Bolo – Douglas
  • B-19 – Douglas
  • B-20 – Boeing
  • B-20 Havoc – Douglas (designation of A-20 Havoc from 1948 to 1949)
  • B-21 – North American
  • B-22 – Douglas
  • B-23 Dragon – Douglas
  • B-24 Liberator – Consolidated
  • B-25 Mitchell – North American
  • B-26 Marauder – Martin
  • B-26 Invader – Douglas – designation of A-26 Invader from 1948 to 1966
  • B-27 – Martin
  • B-28 Dragon – North American
  • B-29 Superfortress – Boeing
  • B-30 – Lockheed
  • B-31 – Douglas
  • B-32 Dominator – Consolidated
  • B-33 Super Marauder – Martin
  • B-34 Lexington – Lockheed
  • B-35 – Northrop
  • B-36 Peacemaker – Convair
  • B-37 – Lockheed
  • B-38 Flying Fortress – Boeing
  • B-39 Superfortress – Boeing
  • B-40 Flying Fortress – Boeing
  • B-41 Liberator – Consolidated
  • B-42 Mixmaster – Douglas
  • B-43 Jetmaster – Douglas
  • B-44 Superfortress – Boeing
  • B-45 Tornado – North American
  • B-46 – Convair
  • B-47 Stratojet – Boeing
  • B-48 – Martin
  • B-49 – Northrop
  • B-50 Superfortress – Boeing
  • B-51 – Martin
  • B-52 Stratofortress – Boeing
  • B-53 – Convair
  • B-54 – Boeing
  • B-55 – Boeing
  • B-56 – Boeing
  • B-57 Canberra – Martin
  • B-58 Hustler – Convair
  • B-59 – Boeing
  • B-60 – Convair
  • B-61 Matador – Martin (redesignated as TM-61, then MGM-1)
  • B-62 Snark – Northrop (redesignated as SM-62)
  • B-63 RASCAL – Bell (redesignated as GAM-63)
  • B-64 Navaho – North American (redesignated as SM-64)
  • B-65 Atlas – Convair (redesignated as SM-65)
  • B-66 Destroyer – Douglas
  • B-67 Crossbow – Radioplane (redesignated as GAM-67)
  • B-68 – Martin
  • B-68 Titan – Martin (redesignated as SM-68)
  • B-69 Neptune – Lockheed
  • B-70 Valkyrie – North American
  • SR-71 Blackbird – Lockheed
  • Beginning with #69, the "M-" (missile) and "B-" (bomber) series diverged. The missiles designated M-69 to M-92, some of which are incorrectly labeled as "formerly designated B-xx" in some sources, never used a "B-" series designation.

    Bomber, long range, 1935–1936

    A short-lived designation used from 1935–1936 to refer to three long-range bomber projects commissioned by the Army Air Corps. Most of the bombers were night bombers.

  • BLR-1 – Boeing (redesignated as XB-15)
  • BLR-2 – Douglas (redesignated as XB-19)
  • BLR-3 – Sikorsky
  • Cargo, 1924–1962

  • C-1 – Douglas
  • C-2 – Fokker
  • C-3 – Ford
  • C-4 – Ford
  • C-5 – Fokker
  • C-6 – Sikorsky
  • C-7 – Fokker
  • C-8 – Fairchild
  • C-9 – Ford
  • C-10 Robin – Curtiss-Wright
  • C-11 Fleetster – Consolidated
  • C-12 Vega – Lockheed
  • C-13 – not used
  • C-14 – Fokker
  • C-15 – Fokker
  • C-16 – Fokker
  • C-17 Super Vega – Lockheed
  • C-18 Monomail – Boeing
  • C-19 Alpha – Northrop
  • C-20 – Fokker
  • C-21 Dolphin – Douglas
  • C-22 Fleetster – Consolidated
  • C-23 Altair – Lockheed
  • C-24 – American/Fairchild
  • C-25 Altair – Lockheed
  • C-26 Dolphin – Douglas
  • C-27 Airbus – Bellanca
  • C-28 – Sikorsky
  • C-29 Dolphin – Douglas
  • C-30 Condor – Curtiss-Wright
  • C-31 – Kreider-Reisner
  • C-32 – Douglas
  • C-33 – Douglas
  • C-34 – Douglas
  • C-35 Electra – Lockheed
  • C-36 Electra – Lockheed
  • C-37 Electra – Lockheed
  • C-38 – Douglas
  • C-39 – Douglas
  • C-40 Electra – Lockheed
  • C-41 – Douglas
  • C-42 – Douglas
  • C-43 Traveller – Beechcraft
  • C-44 – Messerschmitt
  • C-45 Expeditor – Beechcraft
  • C-46 Commando – Curtiss-Wright
  • C-47 Skytrain – Douglas
  • C-48 Skytrain – Douglas
  • C-49 Skytrain – Douglas
  • C-50 Skytrain – Douglas
  • C-51 Skytrain – Douglas
  • C-52 Skytrain – Douglas
  • C-53 Skytrooper – Douglas
  • C-54 Skymaster – Douglas
  • C-55 Commando – Curtiss-Wright
  • C-56 Lodestar – Lockheed
  • C-57 Lodestar – Lockheed
  • C-58 Bolo – Douglas
  • C-59 Lodestar – Lockheed
  • C-60 Lodestar – Lockheed
  • C-61 Forwarder – Fairchild
  • C-62 – Waco
  • C-63 Hudson – Lockheed
  • C-64 Norseman – Noorduyn
  • C-65 Skycar – Stout
  • C-66 Lodestar – Lockheed
  • C-67 Dragon – Douglas
  • C-68 – Douglas
  • C-69 Constellation – Lockheed
  • C-70 Nightingale – Howard
  • C-71 Executive – Spartan
  • C-72 – Waco
  • C-73 – Boeing
  • C-74 Globemaster – Douglas
  • C-75 – Boeing
  • C-76 Caravan – Curtiss-Wright
  • C-77 – Cessna
  • C-78 Bobcat – Cessna
  • C-79 – Junkers
  • C-80 – Harlow
  • C-81 Reliant – Stinson
  • C-82 Packet – Fairchild
  • C-83 Coupe – Piper
  • C-84 – Douglas
  • C-85 Orion – Lockheed
  • C-86 Forwarder – Fairchild
  • C-87 Liberator Express – Consolidated
  • C-88 – Fairchild
  • C-89 – Hamilton
  • C-90 – Luscombe
  • C-91 – Stinson
  • C-92 – Akron-Funk
  • C-93 Conestoga – Budd
  • C-94 – Cessna
  • C-95 Grasshopper – Taylorcraft
  • C-96 – Fairchild
  • C-97 Stratofreighter – Boeing
  • KC-97 Stratofreighter – Boeing
  • C-98 Clipper – Boeing
  • C-99 – Convair
  • C-100 Gamma – Northrop
  • C-101 Vega – Lockheed
  • C-102 Sportster – Rearwin
  • C-103 – Grumman
  • C-104 – Lockheed
  • C-105 – Boeing
  • C-106 – Cessna
  • C-107 Skycar – Stout
  • C-108 Flying Fortress – Boeing
  • C-109 Liberator Express – Consolidated
  • C-110 – Douglas
  • C-111 Super Electra – Lockheed
  • C-112 – Douglas
  • C-113 Commando – Curtiss-Wright
  • C-114 Skymaster – Douglas
  • C-115 Skymaster – Douglas
  • C-116 Skymaster – Douglas
  • C-117 Super Skytrain – Douglas
  • C-118 Liftmaster – Douglas
  • C-119 Flying Boxcar – Fairchild
  • C-120 Packplane – Fairchild
  • C-121 Constellation – Lockheed
  • YC-121F Constellation – Lockheed
  • C-122 Avitruc – Chase
  • C-123 Provider – Fairchild
  • XC-123A – Chase
  • C-124 Globemaster II – Douglas
  • C-125 Raider – Northrop
  • C-126 – Cessna
  • C-127 – Boeing
  • C-128 Flying Boxcar – Fairchild
  • C-129 Super Skytrain – Douglas
  • C-130 Hercules – Lockheed
  • C-131 Samaritan – Convair
  • C-132 – Douglas
  • C-133 Cargomaster – Douglas
  • C-134 – Stroukoff
  • C-135 Stratolifter – Boeing
  • KC-135 Stratotanker – Boeing
  • C-136 – Fairchild
  • C-137 Stratoliner – Boeing
  • C-138 – reserved for Fokker F27, but never assigned
  • C-139 – Lockheed
  • C-140 Jetstar – Lockheed
  • C-141 Starlifter – Lockheed
  • C-142 – Vought
  • C-143 – reserved for what would become the X-19, but never officially assigned
  • C-143 MRC2A – Bombardier Challenger CL-604 for US Coast Guard Medium Range Command and Control Aircraft
  • C-144 Ocean Sentry – CASA CN-235 300CG for US Coast Guard Medium Range Surveillance Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MRS MPA)
  • C-145 Skytruck - PZL M28 for special operations.
  • C-146 - Dornier 328 for special operations.
  • Aerial Target

    1922–1935
  • GL-1 Unmanned Coastal Artillery Target Glider - McCook Field Engineering Section
  • GL-2 Manned Aerial Target Glider - McCook Field Engineering Section
  • GL-3 Unmanned Aerial Target Glider (also known as "G-3") - McCook Field Engineering Section
  • 1940–1941
  • A-1 – Fleetwings
  • A-2 – Radioplane
  • A-3 – Curtiss
  • A-4 – Douglas
  • A-5 – Boeing
  • A-6 – Douglas
  • A-7 Airacobra – Bell
  • A-8 Cadet – Culver
  • 1942–1948
  • PQ-8 Cadet – Culver
  • PQ-9 – Culver
  • PQ-10 – Culver
  • PQ-11 – Fletcher
  • PQ-12 – Fleetwings
  • PQ-13 – ERCO
  • PQ-14 Cadet – Culver
  • PQ-15 – Culver
  • Aerial Target (Model Airplane), 1942–1948

  • OQ-2 – Radioplane
  • OQ-3 – Radioplane/Frankfort
  • OQ-4 – Brunswick-Balke-Collender
  • OQ-5 – contractor unknown
  • OQ-6 – Radioplane
  • OQ-7 – Radioplane
  • OQ-11 – Simmonds Aerocessories
  • OQ-12 – Radioplane
  • OQ-13 – Radioplane
  • OQ-14 – Radioplane/Frankfort
  • OQ-16
  • OQ-17 – Radioplane
  • OQ-18
  • OQ-19 Quail – Radioplane
  • Controllable bomb, 1942–1945

  • BQ-1 – Fleetwings
  • BQ-2 – Kaiser-Fleetwings
  • BQ-3 – Fairchild
  • BQ-3 – Fairchild
  • BQ-4 – Interstate
  • BQ-5 – Interstate
  • BQ-6 – Interstate
  • BQ-7 Aphrodite – Boeing
  • BQ-8 Liberator – Consolidated
  • Target Control, 1942–1948

  • CQ-1 – Fletcher
  • CQ-2 – Stinson
  • CQ-3 Expeditor – Beechcraft
  • CQ-4 Flying Fortress – Boeing
  • Unified sequence, 1948–1962

  • Q-1 – Radioplane
  • Q-2 Firebee – Ryan
  • Q-3 – Radioplane
  • Q-4 – Northrop
  • Q-5 Kingfisher – Lockheed
  • Q-6 – Wright Air Development Center
  • Q-7 – skipped: request for redesignation of QB-17 not approved
  • Q-8 Cadet Culver
  • Q-8 – request for redesignation of QF-80 not approved
  • Q-9 – WADC
  • Q-10 – Radioplane
  • Q-11 – WADC
  • Q-12 – Beechcraft
  • Q-14 Cadet – Culver
  • Assault Glider, 1942–1944

  • AG-1 – Christopher
  • AG-2 – Timm
  • Bomb Glider, 1942–1944

  • BG-1 – Fletcher
  • BG-2 – Fletcher
  • BG-3 – Cornelius
  • Cargo Glider, 1941–1948

  • CG-1 – Frankfort
  • CG-2 – Frankfort
  • CG-3 – Waco
  • CG-4 Hadrian – Waco
  • CG-5 – St. Louis
  • CG-6 – St. Louis
  • CG-7 – Bowlus-DuPont/Douglas
  • CG-8 – Bowlus-DuPont/Douglas
  • CG-9 – AGA Aviation
  • CG-10 Trojan Horse – Laister-Kauffman
  • CG-11 – Snead
  • CG-12 – Read-York
  • CG-13 – Waco
  • CG-14 – Chase
  • CG-15 Hadrian – Waco
  • CG-16 – General Airborne Transport
  • CG-17 – Douglas
  • CG-18 – Chase
  • CG-19 – Douglas
  • CG-20 – Chase
  • Fuel Glider, 1930–1948

  • FG-1 – Cornelius
  • Powered Glider, 1943–1948

  • PG-1 – Northwestern
  • PG-2 – Ridgefield
  • PG-3 – Waco
  • Training Glider, 1941–1948

  • TG-1 – Frankfort
  • TG-2 – Schweizer
  • TG-3 – Schweizer
  • TG-4 – Laister-Kauffman
  • TG-5 Grasshopper – Aeronca
  • TG-6 Grasshopper – Taylorcraft
  • TG-7 Orlik – Kocjan
  • TG-8 Grasshopper – Piper
  • TG-9 – Briegleb
  • TG-10 – Wichita Engineering
  • TG-11 – Schempp-Hirth
  • TG-12 – Bowlus-DuPont
  • TG-13 – Briegleb
  • TG-14 – Stiglmeier
  • TG-15 – Franklin-Stevens
  • TG-16 – Schultz
  • TG-17 – Franklin
  • TG-18 – Midwest Sailplane
  • TG-19 – Jacobs-Schweyer
  • TG-20 – Laister-Kauffman
  • TG-21 – Notre Dame
  • TG-22 – Mehlhose
  • TG-23 – Harper-Corcoran
  • TG-24 – Bowlus-Dupont
  • TG-25 Plover – Wolcott
  • TG-26 – Universal
  • TG-27 – Schneider
  • TG-28 Hawk Junior – Haller
  • TG-29 – Volmer Jensen
  • TG-30 Bluebird – Smith
  • TG-31 – Aero Industries
  • TG-32 – Pratt-Read
  • TG-33 – Aeronca
  • Unified sequence, 1948–1955

  • G-2 – Ridgefield
  • G-3 – Waco
  • G-4 Hadrian – Waco
  • G-10 Trojan Horse – Laister-Kauffman
  • G-13 – Waco
  • G-14 – Chase
  • G-15 Hadrian – Waco
  • G-18 – Chase
  • G-20 – Chase
  • Sailplane, 1960–1962

  • S-1 – Schweizer
  • S-2 – Schweizer
  • Gyroplane, 1935–1939

  • G-1 – Kellett
  • G-2 – Pitcairn
  • Liaison, 1942–1962

  • L-1 Vigilant – Stinson
  • L-2 Grasshopper – Taylorcraft
  • L-3 Grasshopper – Aeronca
  • L-4 Grasshopper – Piper
  • L-5 Sentinel – Stinson (redesignated as U-19 in 1962)
  • L-6 Grasshopper – Interstate
  • L-7 – Universal
  • L-8 Cadet – Interstate
  • L-9 – Stinson
  • L-10 – Ryan
  • L-11 – Bellanca
  • L-12 Reliant – Stinson
  • L-13 – Stinson/Convair
  • L-14 Cub – Piper
  • L-15 Scout – Boeing
  • L-16 Champion – Aeronca
  • L-17 Navion – North American/Ryan (redesignated as U-18 in 1962)
  • L-18 Super Cub – Piper
  • L-19 Bird Dog – Cessna (redesignated as O-1 in 1962)
  • L-20 Beaver – de Havilland Canada (redesignated as U-6 in 1962)
  • L-21 Super Cub – Piper (redesignated as U-7 in 1962)
  • L-22 Navion – Ryan
  • L-23 Seminole – Beechcraft (redesignated as U-8 in 1962)
  • L-24 Courier – Helio (redesignated as U-24 in 1962)
  • L-25 – McDonnell (redesignated as XH-35, then XV-1)
  • L-26 Commander – Aero Design (redesignated as U-4 and U-9 in 1962)
  • L-27 – Cessna (redesignated as U-3 in 1962)
  • L-28 Super Courier – Helio (redesignated as U-10 in 1962)
  • Pursuit, 1924-1948/Fighter, 1948–1962

    Designated P- for "pursuit" until 1948, when the United States Air Force was founded. After this, all P- designations were changed to F- ("fighter"), but the original numbers were retained.

  • P-1 Hawk – Curtiss
  • P-2 Hawk – Curtiss
  • P-3 Hawk – Curtiss
  • P-4 – Boeing
  • P-5 Hawk – Curtiss
  • P-6 Hawk – Curtiss
  • P-7 – Boeing
  • P-8 – Boeing
  • P-9 – Boeing
  • P-10 – Curtiss
  • P-11 Hawk – Curtiss
  • P-12 – Boeing
  • P-13 Viper – Thomas-Morse
  • P-14 – Curtiss
  • P-15 – Boeing
  • P-16 – Berliner-Joyce
  • P-17 Hawk – Curtiss
  • P-18 – Curtiss
  • P-19 – Curtiss
  • P-20 – Curtiss
  • P-21 – Curtiss
  • P-22 Hawk – Curtiss
  • P-23 Hawk – Curtiss
  • P-24 – Lockheed
  • P-25 – Consolidated
  • P-26 Peashooter – Boeing
  • P-27 – Consolidated
  • P-28 – Consolidated
  • P-29 – Boeing
  • P-30 – Consolidated
  • P-31 Swift – Curtiss
  • P-32 – Boeing
  • P-33 – Consolidated
  • P-34 – Wedell-Williams
  • P-35 – Seversky
  • P-36 Hawk – Curtiss
  • P-37 – Curtiss
  • P-38 Lightning – Lockheed
  • P-39 Airacobra – Bell
  • P-400 - Royal Air Force Airacobra put into U.S. service before export
  • P-40 Warhawk – Curtiss
  • P-41 – Seversky
  • P-42 – Curtiss
  • P-43 Lancer – Republic
  • P-44 Rocket – Republic
  • P-45 – Bell
  • P-46 – Curtiss
  • P-47 Thunderbolt – Republic
  • P-48 – Douglas
  • P-49 – Lockheed
  • P-50 – Grumman
  • P-51 Mustang – North American
  • P-52 – Bell
  • P-53 – Curtiss
  • P-54 Swoose Goose – Vultee
  • P-55 Ascender – Curtiss
  • P-56 Black Bullet – Northrop
  • P-57 Peashooter – Tucker
  • P-58 Chain Lightning – Lockheed
  • P-59 Airacomet – Bell
  • P-60 – Curtiss
  • P-61 Black Widow – Northrop
  • P-62 – Curtiss
  • P-63 Kingcobra – Bell
  • P-64 – North American
  • P-65 – Grumman
  • P-66 Vanguard – Vultee
  • P-67 Bat – McDonnell
  • P-68 Tornado – Vultee
  • P-69 – Republic
  • P-70 Nighthawk – Douglas
  • P-71 – Curtiss
  • P-72 – Republic
  • P-73 – Hughes (officially never assigned)
  • P-74 – skipped
  • P-75 Eagle – Fisher
  • P-76 – Bell
  • P-77 – Bell
  • P-78 – North American
  • P-79 – Northrop
  • F-80 Shooting Star – Lockheed
  • P-81 – Convair
  • F-82 Twin Mustang – North American
  • P-83 – Bell
  • F-84 Thunderjet – Republic
  • F-85 Goblin – McDonnell
  • F-86 Sabre – North American
  • F-87 Blackhawk – Curtiss
  • F-88 Voodoo – McDonnell
  • F-89 Scorpion – Northrop
  • F-90 – Lockheed
  • F-91 Thunderceptor – Republic
  • F-92 – Convair
  • F-93 – North American
  • F-94 Starfire – Lockheed
  • F-95 – North American
  • F-96 – Republic
  • F-97 Starfire – Lockheed (redesignated as F-94C Starfire)
  • F-98 Falcon – Hughes (redesignated as GAR-1, then AIM-4)
  • F-99 BOMARC – Boeing (redesignated as IM-99, then CIM-10)
  • F-100 Super Sabre – North American
  • F-101 Voodoo – McDonnell
  • F-102 Delta Dagger – Convair
  • F-103 – Republic
  • F-104 Starfighter – Lockheed
  • F-105 Thunderchief – Republic
  • F-106 Delta Dart – Convair
  • F-107 – North American
  • F-108 Rapier – North American
  • F-109 – designation was reserved for the X-13 Vertijet, F-101B, and Bell D-188A, but never officially assigned
  • F-110 Spectre – McDonnell Douglas (redesignated as F-4 in 1962)
  • F-111 Aardvark – General Dynamics
  • Unofficial designations YF-112 and up were later assigned to "black" projects – see Fighter series in Unified System.
  • Fighter, Multiplace

  • FM-1 Airacuda – Bell
  • FM-2 – Lockheed
  • Pursuit, Biplace

  • PB-1 – Berliner-Joyce
  • PB-2 – Consolidated
  • PB-3 – Lockheed
  • Observation, 1924–1942

  • O-1 Falcon – Curtiss
  • O-2 – Douglas
  • O-3 Mohawk – Dayton-Wright
  • O-4 – Martin
  • O-5 – Douglas
  • O-6 – Thomas-Morse
  • O-7 – Douglas
  • O-8 – Douglas
  • O-9 – Douglas
  • O-10 – Loening
  • O-11 Falcon – Curtiss
  • O-12 Falcon – Curtiss
  • O-13 Falcon – Curtiss
  • O-14 – Douglas
  • O-15 – Keystone
  • O-16 Falcon – Curtiss
  • O-17 Courier – Consolidated
  • O-18 Falcon – Curtiss
  • O-19 – Thomas-Morse
  • O-20 – Thomas-Morse
  • O-21 – Thomas-Morse
  • O-22 – Douglas
  • O-23 – Thomas-Morse
  • O-24 – Curtiss
  • O-25 – Douglas
  • O-26 – Curtiss
  • O-27 – Fokker
  • O-28 Corsair – Vought
  • O-29 – Douglas
  • O-30 – Curtiss
  • O-31 – Douglas
  • O-32 – Douglas
  • O-33 – Thomas-Morse
  • O-34 – Douglas
  • O-35 – Douglas
  • O-36 – Douglas
  • O-37 – Keystone
  • O-38 – Douglas
  • O-39 Falcon – Curtiss
  • O-40 Raven – Curtiss
  • O-41 – Thomas-Morse
  • O-42 – Thomas-Morse
  • O-43 – Douglas
  • O-44 – Douglas
  • O-45 – Martin
  • O-46 – Douglas
  • O-47 – North American
  • O-48 – Douglas
  • O-49 Vigilant – Stinson (redesignated as L-1 in 1942)
  • O-50 – Bellanca
  • O-51 Dragonfly – Ryan
  • O-52 Owl – Curtiss
  • O-53 Havoc – Douglas
  • O-54 – Stinson
  • O-55 – ERCO
  • O-56 Ventura – Lockheed
  • O-57 Grasshopper – Taylorcraft (redesignated as L-2 in 1942)
  • O-58 Grasshopper – Aeronca (redesignated as L-3 in 1942)
  • O-59 Grasshopper – Piper (redesignated as L-4 in 1942)
  • O-60 – Kellett
  • O-61 – Pitcairn
  • O-62 Sentinel – Stinson (redesignated as L-5 in 1942)
  • O-63 Grasshopper – Interstate (redesignated as XL-6 in 1942)
  • Observation amphibian, 1925–1948

  • OA-1 – Loening
  • OA-2 – Loening
  • OA-3 Dolphin – Douglas
  • OA-4 Dolphin – Douglas
  • OA-5 – Douglas
  • OA-6 – Consolidated
  • OA-7 – Douglas
  • OA-8 – Sikorsky
  • OA-9 Goose – Grumman
  • OA-10 Catalina – Consolidated
  • OA-11 – Sikorsky
  • OA-12 Duck – Grumman
  • OA-13 Goose – Grumman
  • OA-14 Widgeon – Grumman
  • OA-15 Seabee – Republic
  • Photographic reconnaissance, 1930–1948 / Reconnaissance, 1948–1962

  • F-1 – Fairchild
  • F-2 Expeditor – Beechcraft
  • F-3 Havoc – Douglas
  • F-4 Lightning – Lockheed
  • F-5 Lightning – Lockheed
  • F-6 Mustang – North American
  • F-7 Liberator – Consolidated
  • F-8 Mosquito – de Havilland
  • F-9 Flying Fortress – Boeing
  • F-10 Mitchell – North American
  • F-11 – Hughes
  • F-12 Rainbow – Republic
  • F-13 Superfortress – Boeing
  • F-14 Shooting Star – Lockheed
  • F-15 Reporter – Northrop
  • R-11 – Hughes
  • R-12 Rainbow – Republic
  • R-16 Stratofortress – Boeing
  • Reconnaissance-strike, 1960–1962

    Both of the following aircraft are numbered in the B- (bomber) sequence.

  • RS-70 Valkyrie – North American
  • RS-71 Blackbird – Lockheed
  • Rotary wing 1941–1948 and helicopter 1948–present

    In 1941, the category letter R- was allotted for "rotary wing" aircraft, and this designation was used until the founding of the United States Air Force in 1947, at which point the category letter was changed to H-, for "helicopter". However, the original numbering sequence was retained.

    In 1962 when the Unified Designation System was adopted, six former Navy and Army types received new designations in the H-1 to H-6 series, which can be found here. However, the original sequence was also continued, and remains in use to the present, with the next designation available being H-73.

  • R-1 – Platt-LePage
  • R-2 – Kellett
  • R-3 – Kellett
  • R-4 Hoverfly – Sikorsky
  • R-5/H-5 Dragonfly – Sikorsky
  • R-6 Hoverfly II – Sikorsky
  • R-7 – Sikorsky
  • XR-8 Kellett
  • R-9/H-9 – Firestone
  • R-10/H-10 – Kellett
  • R-11/H-11 – Rotorcraft
  • R-12/H-12 – Bell
  • R-13/H-13 Sioux – Bell
  • R-14 – Firestone
  • R-15/H-15 – Bell
  • R-16/H-16 – Piasecki
  • XR-17/XH-17 – Hughes/Kellett
  • YH-18 – Sikorsky
  • H-19 – Sikorsky
  • XH-20 Little Henry – McDonnell
  • H-21 – Piasecki
  • H-22 – Kaman
  • OH-23 Raven – Hiller
  • YH-24 – Seibel
  • H-25 – Piasecki
  • XH-26 Jet Jeep – American Helicopter
  • YH-27 Transporter – Piasecki
  • XH-28 – Hughes
  • H-29 – McDonnell
  • YH-30 – McCulloch
  • YH-31 – Doman
  • YH-32 – Hiller
  • XH-33 – Bell (redesignated as XV-3)
  • H-34 Choctaw – Sikorsky
  • XH-35 – McDonnell (redesignated as XV-1)
  • H-36 – reserved for secret project LONG EARS
  • H-37 Mojave – Sikorsky
  • H-38 – reserved for secret project SHORT TAIL
  • XH-39 – Sikorsky
  • XH-40 – Bell
  • YH-41 Seneca – Cessna
  • XH-42 – Hughes
  • H-43 Huskie – Kaman
  • H-44 – reserved for secret project BIG TOM
  • H-45 – reserved for secret project STEP CHILD
  • H-46 Sea Knight – Boeing Vertol
  • H-47 Chinook – Boeing Vertol
  • XH-48 – Bell (redesignated as UH-1F)
  • XH-49 – Boeing Vertol (redesignated as XCH-46B)
  • H-50 DASH – Gyrodyne
  • XH-51 – Lockheed
  • H-52 Sea Guard – Sikorsky
  • H-53 – Sikorsky
  • MH-53 Pave Low
  • CH-53E Super Stallion
  • CH-53K Super Stallion
  • H-54 Tarhe – Sikorsky
  • H-55 Osage – Hughes
  • H-56 Cheyenne – Lockheed
  • H-57 Sea Ranger – Bell
  • H-58 Kiowa – Bell
  • XH-59 – Sikorsky
  • H-60 Black Hawk – Sikorsky
  • SH-60 Seahawk
  • HH-60 Pave Hawk
  • HH-60 Jayhawk
  • YH-61 – Boeing Vertol
  • XH-62 – Boeing Vertol
  • YH-63 Kingcobra – Bell
  • H-64 Apache – Hughes
  • H-65 Dolphin – Aérospatiale
  • H-66 Comanche – Boeing/Sikorsky
  • H-67 Creek – Bell
  • H-68 Stingray – Agusta
  • H-69 – skipped
  • H-70 – Bell
  • H-71 Kestrel – Lockheed Martin
  • H-72 Lakota – Eurocopter
  • Supersonic/special test, 1946–1948

  • XS-1 – Bell
  • XS-2 – Bell
  • XS-3 Stiletto – Douglas
  • XS-4 Bantam – Northrop
  • XS-5 – Bell
  • This series was continued as the X (Experimental) series after 1948 – see X-series in Unified System.
  • Advanced Trainer, 1925–1948

  • AT-1 – Huff-Daland
  • AT-2 – Huff-Daland
  • AT-3 – Boeing
  • AT-4 Hawk – Curtiss
  • AT-5 Hawk – Curtiss
  • AT-6 Texan – North American (redesignated as T-6 in 1948)
  • AT-7 Navigator – Beechcraft (redesignated as T-7 in 1948)
  • AT-8 Bobcat – Cessna
  • AT-9 Jeep – Curtiss-Wright
  • AT-10 Wichita – Beechcraft
  • AT-11 Kansan – Beechcraft (redesignated as T-11 in 1948)
  • AT-12 Guardsman – Republic
  • AT-13 Gunner – Fairchild
  • AT-14 Gunner – Fairchild
  • AT-15 Crewmaker – Boeing
  • AT-16 – Noorduyn
  • AT-17 Bobcat – Cessna
  • AT-18 Hudson – Lockheed
  • AT-19 Reliant – Stinson
  • AT-20 Anson – Avro/Federal
  • AT-21 Gunner – Fairchild
  • AT-22 Liberator – Consolidated
  • AT-23 Marauder – Martin
  • AT-24 Mitchell – North American
  • Basic Combat, 1936–1940

  • BC-1 – North American
  • BC-2 – North American
  • BC-3 – Vultee
  • Basic Trainer, 1930–1948

  • BT-1 – Douglas
  • BT-2 – Douglas
  • BT-3 – Stearman
  • BT-4 – Curtiss
  • BT-5 – Stearman
  • BT-6 – Consolidated
  • BT-7 – Consolidated
  • BT-8 – Seversky
  • BT-9 – North American
  • BT-10 – North American
  • BT-11 – Aircraft Research
  • BT-12 – Fleetwings
  • BT-13 Valiant – Vultee
  • BT-14 – North American
  • BT-15 Valiant – Vultee
  • BT-16 Valiant – Vultee
  • BT-17 – Boeing-Stearman
  • Primary Trainer, 1925–1948

  • PT-1 Trusty – Consolidated
  • PT-2 Trusty – Consolidated
  • PT-3 Trusty – Consolidated
  • PT-4 Trusty – Consolidated
  • PT-5 Trusty – Consolidated
  • PT-6 – Consolidated
  • PT-7 Pinto – Mohawk
  • PT-8 – Consolidated
  • PT-9 – Stearman
  • PT-10 – Verville
  • PT-11 – Consolidated
  • PT-12 – Consolidated
  • PT-13 Kaydet – Boeing-Stearman
  • PT-14 – Waco
  • PT-15 – St. Louis
  • PT-16 – Ryan
  • PT-17 Kaydet – Boeing-Stearman
  • PT-18 Kaydet – Boeing-Stearman
  • PT-19 Cornell – Fairchild
  • PT-20 – Ryan
  • PT-21 Recruit – Ryan
  • PT-22 Recruit – Ryan
  • PT-23 Cornell – Fairchild
  • PT-24 Tiger Moth – de Havilland
  • PT-25 – Ryan
  • PT-26 Cornell – Fairchild
  • PT-27 Kaydet – Boeing-Stearman
  • Unified sequence, 1948–present

    The AT-6 Texan, AT-7 Navigator, and AT-11 Kansan, were retroactively given T- designations. The new sequence began at 28, continuing the "PT-" numbering sequence.

  • T-6 Texan – North American
  • T-7 Navigator – Beechcraft
  • T-11 Kansan – Beechcraft
  • T-28 Trojan – North American
  • T-29 Flying Classroom – Convair
  • T-30 – Douglas
  • T-31 – Fairchild
  • T-32 – Convair
  • T-33 Shooting Star – Lockheed
  • T-34 Mentor – Beechcraft
  • T-35 Buckaroo – Temco
  • T-36 – Beechcraft/Canadair
  • T-37 Tweet – Cessna
  • T-38 Talon – Northrop
  • T-39 Sabreliner – North American
  • T-40 Jet Star – Lockheed
  • T-41 Mescalero – Cessna
  • T-42 Cochise – Beechcraft
  • T-43 – Boeing
  • T-44 Pegasus – Beechcraft
  • T-45 Goshawk – McDonnell Douglas/BAE Systems
  • T-46 – Fairchild
  • T-47 – Cessna
  • T-48 – Cessna
  • T-48 MPATS
  • T-49 – Boeing
  • T-50 Golden Eagle – Korean Aerospace Industries (designation reserved, none procured)
  • T-51 – Cessna
  • T-52 – Diamond Aircraft
  • T-53 – Cirrus
  • Convertiplane, 1952–1962

  • V-1 – McDonnell Aircraft (Formerly XL-25 and XH-35)
  • V-2 – Sikorsky Aircraft (Project)
  • V-3 – Bell Helicopter (Formerly H-33)
  • Army, 1956–1962

    In 1956, the U.S. Army adopted a new, and relatively simple, designation system for its aviation assets. Aircraft were divided into three different types – 'A' for fixed-wing aircraft, 'H' for helicopters, or 'V' for V/STOL aircraft, and then were given a mission modifier, which, unlike the USAF system, came after the type code: 'C' for transports, 'O' for observation and reconnaissance aircraft, 'U' for utility types, and 'Z' for experimental aircraft. Aircraft types designated in this system were numbered sequentially.

    Airplane, Cargo, 1956–1962

  • AC-1 Caribou – de Havilland Canada (redesignated as CV-2 in 1962, then C-7 in 1967)
  • AC-2 Buffalo – de Havilland Canada (redesignated as CV-7 in 1962, then C-8 in 1967)
  • Airplane, Observation, 1956–1962

  • AO-1 Mohawk – Grumman (redesignated as OV-1 in 1962)
  • AO-2 Inflatoplane – Goodyear
  • AO-3 Inflatoplane – Goodyear
  • Flying Platform, 1955–1956

  • HO-1 Pawnee – Hiller (redesignated as VZ-1 in 1956)
  • HO-2 – de Lackner Helicopters (redesignated as HZ-1 in 1956)
  • Helicopter, Cargo, 1956–1962

  • HC-1A Sea Knight (redesignated as CH-46C in 1962)
  • HC-1B Chinook (redesignated as CH-47A in 1962)
  • Helicopter, Observation, 1956–1962

  • HO-1 – Sud-Ouest
  • HO-2 – Hughes
  • HO-3 – Brantly
  • HO-4 – Bell (redesignated as OH-4A in 1962)
  • HO-5 – Fairchild Hiller (redesignated as OH-5A in 1962)
  • HO-6 – Hughes (redesignated as OH-6A in 1962)
  • Helicopter, Utility, 1956–1962

  • HU-1 Iroquois – Bell (redesignated as UH-1 in 1962)
  • Helicopter, Experimental, 1956–1962

  • HZ-1 Aerocycle – de Lackner Helicopters
  • Vertical Takeoff and Landing Research, 1956–1962

  • VZ-1 Pawnee – Hiller
  • VZ-2 – Vertol
  • VZ-3 Vertiplane – Ryan
  • VZ-4 Convertiplane – Doak
  • VZ-5 Fledgling – Fairchild
  • VZ-6 – Chrysler
  • VZ-7-Curtiss-Wright
  • VZ-8 Airgeep – Piasecki
  • VZ-9 Avrocar – Avro Canada
  • VZ-10 Hummingbird – Lockheed (redesignated as XV-4 in 1962)
  • VZ-11 Vertifan – Ryan (redesignated as XV-5 in 1962)
  • VZ-12 Kestrel – Hawker Siddeley (redesignated as XV-6 in 1962)
  • Airborne Laser

  • AL-1 – Boeing
  • Airship

  • Z-1 – Goodyear
  • Z-2 Sentinel – Westinghouse Airships
  • Z-3 – American Blimp
  • Anti-Submarine Warfare

  • S-2 Tracker – Grumman Aircraft (Formerly S2F)
  • S-3 Viking – Lockheed Corporation (Also called Shadow)
  • Attack

  • A-1 Skyraider – Douglas (formerly designated AD)
  • A-2 Savage – North American (formerly designated AJ)
  • A-3 Skywarrior – Douglas (formerly designated A3D)
  • A-4 Skyhawk – Douglas (formerly designated A4D)
  • A-5 Vigilante – North American (formerly designated A3J)
  • A-6 Intruder – Grumman (formerly designated A2F)
  • A-7 Corsair II – Ling-Temco-Vought
  • A-9 – Northrop Losing contender for the AX competition
  • A-10 Thunderbolt II – Fairchild Republic Winning contender for the AX competition
  • A-12 Avenger II – McDonnell Douglas / General Dynamics cancelled
  • F/A-18C/D Hornet – McDonnell Douglas
  • F/A-18E/F Super Hornet – Boeing
  • A-26 Invader – Douglas (redesignated back to WW II-era designation, from B-26 in 1966)
  • A-29 Super Tucano – Embraer
  • A-37 Dragonfly – Cessna (originally designated AT-37)
  • Bomber

  • B-1 Lancer – Rockwell
  • B-2 Spirit – Northrop
  • Cargo

  • C-1 – Trader Grumman (formerly designated TF)
  • C-2 – Greyhound Grumman
  • C-3 Martin 4-0-4 – Martin (formerly designated RM-1Z) Martin 4-0-4 airliners for use by the US Marine Corps and US Coast Guard
  • C-4 Academe – Gulfstream (Used for training A-6 Intruder Naval Flight Officers.)
  • C-5 Galaxy – Lockheed
  • C-6 Ute – Beechcraft (Beechcraft 90 King Air, re-designated U-21 Ute)
  • C-7 Caribou – de Havilland Canada
  • C-8 Buffalo – de Havilland Canada
  • C-9 Nightingale – McDonnell-Douglas
  • C-10 Jetstream – Handley Page USAF 68-10378/10388 (were to be offset purchase for RAF F-111K, both cancelled)
  • C-10 – McDonnell-Douglas Winner of the KC-X competition (after cancellation of C-10 Jetstream, C-10 designation re-used)
  • C-11 Gulfstream II – Gulfstream
  • C-12 – Beechcraft
  • C-14 – Boeing (AMST contender)
  • C-15 – McDonnell-Douglas (AMST contender)
  • C-17 Globemaster III – Boeing
  • C-18 Boeing 707–320 – Boeing
  • C-19 Boeing 747–100 – Boeing
  • C-20 Gulfstream III – Gulfstream (C-20A/B/C/D/E)
  • C-20 Gulfstream IV – Gulfstream (C-20F/G/H/J)
  • C-21 Learjet 35 – Learjet
  • C-22 Boeing 727 – Boeing (Air National Guard and National Guard Bureau personnel transports)
  • C-23 Sherpa – Shorts Military logistics transports for use in Europe and the US by the US Air Force and US Army
  • C-24 DC-8F-54 – Douglas A single DC-8-54F used for avionic trials as the EC-24A
  • C-25 Boeing 747-200 – Boeing (Presidential VIP transport)
  • C-26 – Fairchild
  • C-27 Spartan – Alenia
  • C-28 Titan – Cessna
  • C-29 BAe 125-800 – British Aerospace Airways and navaid checker
  • C-32 Boeing 757-200 – Boeing (VIP transport)
  • C-35 – Cessna
  • C-37 Gulfstream V – Gulfstream
  • C-38 Gulfstream G100 – Gulfstream (formerly IAI Astra SPX)
  • C-40 Boeing 737-700c – Boeing (replacement for the C-9A Nightingale in USAF and C-9B Skytrain II in USN)
  • C-41 C-212 series 200 Aviocar – Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA
  • C-45 – EADS (Losing K-X contender)
  • C-46 – Boeing (Winner of the K-X competition over the EADS KC-45)
  • KC-767 – Boeing (Out of sequence designation used for multi-role tanker transports exported to Japan and Italy)
  • UC-880 – Convair (Out of sequence designation used for a single Convair 880 converted to a tanker to support trials from the NATC)
  • Drone

  • Q-1 Predator – General Atomics
  • Q-2 Pioneer – AAI Corporation/Israel Aircraft Industries
  • Q-3 Dark Star – Lockheed Martin / Boeing
  • Q-4 Global Hawk – Northrop Grumman
  • Q-5 Hunter – Israel Aircraft Industries
  • Q-6 Outrider – Alliant Techsystems
  • Q-7 Shadow – AAI Corporation
  • Q-8 Fire Scout – Northrop Grumman
  • Q-9 Reaper/Altair – General Atomics (Originally "Predator B")
  • Q-10 SnowGoose – MMIST
  • Q-11 Raven – AeroVironment
  • Q-12Skipped (Requested for Q-1C)
  • Q-13Skipped
  • Q-14 Dragon Eye – AeroVironment
  • Q-15 Neptune – DRS Technologies
  • Q-16 T-Hawk – Honeywell
  • Q-17 SpyHawk – MTC Technologies
  • Q-18 Hummingbird Boeing
  • Q-19 Aerosonde – AAI Corporation
  • Q-20 Puma – AeroVironment
  • Q-21 Integrator – Boeing Insitu
  • Non-sequential designations

  • Q-170 Sentinel – Lockheed Martin
  • Electronic Warfare

  • E-1 Tracer – Grumman (Formerly WF)
  • E-2 Hawkeye – Grumman (Formerly W2F)
  • E-3 Sentry – Boeing
  • E-4 "Nightwatch" – Boeing (Advanced Airborne Command Post)
  • E-5 Eagle – Windecker
  • E-6 Mercury – Boeing (TACAMO)
  • E-7 – Designation proposed for EC-18B
  • E-8 Joint Stars – Northrop Grumman
  • E-9 Widget – de Havilland Canada
  • E-10 MC2A – Boeing/Northrop Grumman
  • E-11 – Bombardier/Northrop Grumman
  • E-767 – Boeing (Out of sequence designation for AEW&C aircraft for the Japanese Self-Defence Forces)
  • Fighter

  • F-1 Fury – North American (Previously designated FJ-2, FJ-3 & FJ-4)
  • F-2 Banshee – McDonnell (Previously designated F2H)
  • F-3 Demon – McDonnell (previously designated F3H)
  • F-4 Phantom II – McDonnell Douglas (previously designated F4H and F-110)
  • F-5 Freedom Fighter – Northrop
  • F-6 Skyray – Douglas (Previously designated F4D)
  • F-7 Sea Dart – Convair (Previously designated F2Y)
  • F-8 Crusader – Vought (Previously designated F8U)
  • F-9 Cougar – Grumman (previously designated F9F-6)
  • F-10 Skyknight – Douglas (previously designated F3D)
  • F-11 Tiger – Grumman (previously designated F11F)
  • F-12 – Lockheed (Two-seat Fighter version of the A-12 reconnaissance aircraft)
  • F-13Skipped
  • F-14 Tomcat – Grumman
  • F-15 A/B/C/D Eagle / F-15E Strike Eagle – McDonnell Douglas
  • F-16 Fighting Falcon General Dynamics / Lockheed Martin
  • F-17 Cobra – Northrop
  • F-18A/B/C/D Hornet / F/A-18E/F Super Hornet – McDonnell Douglas
  • F-19Officially skipped; rumored to be still classified
  • F-20 Tigershark – Northrop
  • F-21 Kfir C-2 – Israel Aircraft Industries (for US Navy dissimilar combat training and aggressor training)
  • F-22 Raptor – Lockheed Martin
  • F-23 Black Widow II – Northrop / McDonnell Douglas
  • F-35 Lightning II – Lockheed Martin
  • YF-110 MiG-21s – Mikoyan-Gurevich
  • YF-112 Su-22 – Sukhoi
  • YF-113 MiG-23s – Mikoyan-Gurevich
  • YF-114 MiG-17 – Mikoyan-Gurevich
  • YF-115Rumored designation of captured Su-7
  • YF-116Rumored designation of captured MiG-25
  • F-117 Nighthawk – Lockheed
  • F-117D Tacit Blue – Northrop
  • YF-118Rumored designation of MiG-29
  • Note: Designations YF-110, YF-112 through YF-116, and YF-118 were captured foreign aircraft used for evaluation and aggressor training. They were given designations in sequence—based on chronology—with "black" project aircraft, continuing the pre-1962 F series.

    Other Designations

  • YF-24 – (fictional?) Classified project
  • YF-113G – possible USAF "black project"
  • YF-121 – Rumored "black project"
  • Glider

  • TG-1 – Schweizer
  • TG-2 – Schweizer
  • TG-3 – Schweizer
  • TG-4 – Schweizer
  • TG-5 – Schweizer
  • TG-6 – Schweizer
  • TG-7 – Schweizer
  • TG-8 – Schweizer
  • TG-9 – Schleicher
  • TG-10 – Let
  • TG-11 – Stemme
  • TG-12 – Caproni Vizzola
  • TG-13Skipped
  • TG-15 – Aeromot
  • TG-15 – Schempp-Hirth
  • TG-16 – DG Flugzeugbau
  • Helicopter

    Unlike most other categories of aircraft, the introduction of the tri-service designation system in 1962 did not result in a wholesale redesignation of helicopters. While six types received new designations in the unified, "re-started" sequence, the original "H-" series of designations that started in 1948 was also continued, and no further types of rotorcraft have been designated in the "post-1962" system.

  • H-1 Iroquois / "Huey" – Bell Helicopter (Formerly H-40 / HU-1)
  • H-1 Cobra / SeaCobra / SuperCobra / Viper – Bell Helicopter
  • H-2 Seasprite – Kaman Aircraft (Formerly HU2K)
  • H-3 Sea King / "Jolly Green Giant" – Sikorsky Aircraft (Formerly HSS-2)
  • H-4 – Bell Helicopter (Formerly HO-4)
  • H-5 – Fairchild Hiller (Formerly HO-5)
  • H-6 Cayuse / Little Bird – Hughes Helicopters / McDonnell Douglas / Boeing Helicopters (Formerly HO-6)
  • Observation

  • O-1 Bird Dog Cessna Aircraft 14 December 1949 Formerly L-19
  • O-2 Skymaster Cessna Aircraft January 1967  
  • O-3 "Quiet Star" Lockheed Missiles & Space 1969  
  • O-4   Wren Aircraft 1963
    (Wren 460) Not proceeded with.
  • O-5 ARL de Havilland Canada 27 March 1975
    (DHC-7) Formerly RC-7
  • O-6 ARL Bombardier
  • OV-10 Bronco North American Aviation 16 July 1965
  • Patrol

  • P-1Skipped
  • P-2 Neptune – Lockheed Corporation (Formerly P2V)
  • P-3 Orion / ARIES Lockheed Corporation (Formerly P3V; See also WP-3D Orion and EP-3 Aries)
  • P-4 Privateer – Consolidated Aircraft (Formerly PB4Y-2K / P4Y-2K)
  • P-5 Marlin – Glenn L. Martin Company (Formerly P5M)
  • P-6Skipped
  • P-7 – Lockheed Corporation
  • P-8 Poseidon – Boeing
  • Reconnaissance

  • R-1 Dragon Lady – Lockheed Corporation
  • R-2Skipped
  • R-3 – Possibly assigned to a Black Project (Speculated: TR-3 Black Manta or SR-3 Blackstar)
  • Spaceplane

    The only designation in the "Spaceplane" series, the MS-1A shares a designation letter with the anti-submarine warfare category, and is perhaps unique among MDS identifiers as being assigned to a future, and currently not wholly defined, concept, as opposed to a specific project.

    Tanker

    No specialised types have been acquired to receive a stand-alone 'K for Tanker' designation; for aircraft modified for use as tankers, see the parent aircraft in the proper sequence.

    Trainer, 1962, 1990–present

    Despite the adoption of the unified Mission Designation System in 1962, only two aircraft were designated in the new series, both former Navy types. The old series continued in use until 1990, at which point a new series was started over at T-1, with the previous T-2 still being in use. However, the old series has still seen new designations being assigned. The next designation available in the 'T' series is T-52 or T-7, depending on which series is continued.

    1962 Sequence

  • T-1 SeaStar – Lockheed Corporation (Formerly T2V)
  • T-2 Buckeye – North American Aviation (Formerly T2J)
  • 1990 Sequence

  • T-1 Jayhawk – Raytheon / Hawker Beechcraft
  • T-2Skipped (T-2 Buckeye was still in service)
  • T-3 Firefly – Slingsby Aviation
  • T-4Skipped
  • T-5Skipped
  • T-6 Texan II – Hawker Beechcraft
  • Utility, 1955–present

  • U-1 Otter – de Havilland Canada
  • U-2 Dragon Lady – Lockheed Corporation
  • U-3 Blue Canoe – Cessna
  • U-4 Aero Commander – Aero Design
  • U-5 Twin Courier – Helio
  • U-6 Beaver – de Havilland Canada
  • U-7 Super Cub Piper
  • U-8 Seminole – Beechcraft
  • U-9 Aero Commander – Aero Design
  • U-10 Super Courier – Helio
  • U-11 Aztec – Piper
  • U-12 Skipped
  • U-13 Skipped
  • U-14 Skipped
  • U-15 Skipped
  • U-16 Albatross – Grumman
  • U-17 Skywagon – Cessna
  • U-18 Navion – North American/Ryan
  • U-19 Sentinel – Stinson
  • U-20 – Cessna
  • U-21 Ute – Beechcraft
  • U-22 – Beechcraft
  • U-23 Peacemaker – Fairchild Hiller/Pilatus
  • U-24 Courier – Helio
  • U-25 Guardian – Dassault-Breguet
  • U-26 Super Skywagon – Cessna
  • U-27 Caravan – Cessna
  • U-28 – Pilatus
  • U-38 Twin Condor – Schweizer
  • Vertical and Short Take-off and Landing Aircraft

  • V-3 – Bell Helicopter (Formerly H-33, V-3 in Convertiplane series)
  • V-4 Hummingbird – Lockheed Corporation (Formerly VZ-10)
  • V-5 Vertifan – Ryan Aeronautical (Formerly VZ-11)
  • V-6 Kestrel – Hawker Siddeley
  • V-7 Buffalo – de Havilland Canada (Formerly AC-2, redesignated as C-8)
  • V-8 "Fleep" – Ryan Aeronautical (Designation later reused)
  • V-8 Harrier – Hawker Siddeley
  • AV-8B Harrier II – McDonnell Douglas / British Aerospace
  • V-9 – Hughes Helicopters
  • V-10 Bronco – Rockwell International / Boeing
  • V-11 Marvel – Parsons Corporation
  • V-12 – Parsons Corporation (Cancelled, designation reused)
  • V-12 – Rockwell International
  • V-13Skipped
  • V-14Skipped to avoid confusion with X-14.
  • V-15 – Bell Helicopter
  • V-16 Advanced Harrier – McDonnell Douglas / British Aerospace (Not built; developed into AV-8B)
  • V-17Assigned to a U.S. Army project but not used.
  • V-18 Twin Otter – de Havilland Canada
  • V-19Assigned to a U.S. Navy project but cancelled.
  • V-20 Chiricahua – de Havilland Canada
  • V-21 PACES – Airship Industries (Unconfirmed designation.)
  • V-22 Osprey – Bell Helicopter / Boeing Helicopters
  • V-23 Scout – Dominion Aircraft (Skytrader)
  • Experimental, 1948–present

    In addition to aircraft intended to support military operations, the unified system includes experimental craft designed to push the boundaries of aeronautical and aerospace knowledge. These aircraft are designated in the "X-series", which led them to become known as "X-planes". Only those with military sponsors are listed here.

  • X-1 – Bell Aircraft, USAF, NACA
  • X-2 "Starbuster" – Bell Aircraft, USAF
  • X-3 Stiletto – Douglas Aircraft, USAF, NACA
  • X-4 Bantam – Northrop, USAF, NACA
  • X-5 – Bell Aircraft, USAF, NACA
  • X-6 – Convair, USAF, AEC
  • X-7 "Flying Stove Pipe" – Lockheed, Tri-service
  • X-8 Aerobee – Aerojet, NACA, USAF, USN
  • X-9 Shrike – Bell Aircraft, USAF
  • X-10 – North American Aviation, USAF
  • X-11 – Convair, USAF (Alternate designation for the SM-65 Atlas missile.)
  • X-12 – Convair, USAF (Alternate designation for the SM-65 Atlas missile.)
  • X-13 Vertijet – Ryan Aeronautical, USAF, USN
  • X-14 – Bell Aircraft, USAF, NASA
  • X-15 – North American Aviation, USAF, NASA
  • X-16 – Bell Aircraft, USAF
  • X-17 – Lockheed
  • X-18 – Hiller Aircraft
  • X-19 – Curtiss-Wright, Tri-service
  • X-20 Dyna-Soar – Boeing, USAF
  • X-21 – Northrop, USAF
  • X-22 – Bell Aircraft, Tri-service
  • X-23 PRIME – Martin Marietta, USAF (Note: Designation never officially assigned.)
  • X-24 – Martin Marietta, USAF, NASA
  • X-25 – Bensen, USAF
  • X-26 Frigate – Schweizer, DARPA, US Army, USN
  • X-27 – Lockheed
  • X-28 Sea Skimmer – Osprey Aircraft, USN
  • X-29 – Grumman, DARPA, USAF, NASA
  • X-30 NASP – Rockwell, NASA, DARPA, USAF
  • X-31 – Rockwell-MBB
  • X-32 – Boeing, USAF, USN, RAF
  • X-35 – Lockheed Martin, USAF, USN, RAF
  • X-37 – Boeing, USAF, NASA
  • X-39 – Unknown, USAF (Note: Designation never officially assigned.)
  • X-40 – Boeing, USAF, NASA
  • X-41 – Unknown, USAF
  • X-42 – Unknown, USAF
  • X-44 MANTA – Lockheed Martin, USAF, NASA
  • X-45 – Boeing, DARPA, USAF
  • X-46 – Boeing, DARPA, USN
  • X-47A/X-47B – Northrop Grumman, DARPA, USN
  • X-48 – Boeing, NASA
  • X-49 Speedhawk – Piasecki Aircraft, US Army
  • X-50 Dragonfly – Boeing, DARPA
  • X-51 Waverider – Boeing, USAF
  • X-53 – Boeing Phantom Works, NASA, USAF
  • X-55 – Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, USAF
  • X-56 – Lockheed Martin, USAF, NASA
  • Un-designated foreign aircraft operated by the United States

  • Airspeed Horsa – Airspeed Ltd
  • Airspeed Oxford – Airspeed
  • Bristol Beaufighter – Bristol Aeroplane Company
  • Boulton Paul Defiant – Boulton Paul Aircraft
  • CAC Wirraway – Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation
  • de Havilland Dominie – de Havilland
  • de Havilland Moth Minor – de Havilland.
  • de Havilland Tiger Moth – de Havilland
  • Diamond DA20 – Diamond Aircraft
  • Hawker Hurricane – Hawker Aircraft
  • Heinkel HD 22 – Heinkel Flugzeugwerke
  • Mil Mi-17 – Mil
  • Miles Master – Miles Aircraft Ltd
  • Morane-Saulnier MS-234
  • Percival Proctor
  • Supermarine Spitfire
  • Westland Lysander
  • References

    List of military aircraft of the United States Wikipedia


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