U.S. Military Aircraft Designations
Via the Andrew Chorney Database

In this section we have provided some great links that explain the evolution of the aircraft designation systems for the various branches of the US Military. Probably the best web site out there for this type of information is the “U.S. Military Aircraft Designations, 1911-2004” database compiled by Andrew Chorney. Andrew has been putting these data together for many years. The end result is a comprehensive list of aircraft designations, past and present, used by the U.S. Armed Forces.

In addition, Andrew has also compiled from various sources, the exact schemes and systems utilized by the various armed services to designate their aircraft since the early 1900's. Links to the various sections of Andrew Chorney's database are provided below …

• Introduction and Overview

• U.S. Military Aircraft Designations, 1911-2004

• U.S. Systems of Aircraft Designation

U.S. Army Air Service, Army Air Corps and Army Air Forces Aircraft

• 1909-1919 System

• 1920-1947 System

• U.S. Air Force Aircraft 1947-1962 System

• U.S. Army Aircraft 1956-1962 System

U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Aircraft

• 1911-1914 System

• 1914-1916 System

• 1917-1922 System

• 1922-1962 System

• Joint Service System for U.S. Air Force (1948-), U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Army (1962-)

• Abbreviations and Acronyms