Q&A for How to Understand US Military Aircraft Designations

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

What does the "2" on a A-10 Thunderbolt II/Warthog mean?

Community Answer

It was the second plane with this name. The P-47 was originally called Thunderbolt as well.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 16
Question

What does the 130 stand for on a C-130?

Community Answer

130 is the 130th in the Transport series. Such as F-16. 16 is the 16th in the Fighter series.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 19
Question

Does the V in Navy aircraft designations come from the French word vol?

Community Answer

No it does not. The V stands for VTOL which is short for "Vertical Take Off and Landing."

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 19 Helpful 18
Question

In the designation "X-37B," does the B stand for bomber?

Community Answer

No. The "B" means "B variant." The X-37 comes in three variants: X-37A, X-37B, and X-37C.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6
Question

Why are some Navy planes called things like Wildcat, Hellcat, etc.?

Community Answer

The "Wildcat" and "Hellcat" fighter aircraft were made by the company Grumman. These aircraft names were given by the manufacturer and not the army. However, these names are really nothing more than suggestions that the military services may or may not accept as the official name. In this case, Grumman likes to use names ending with "cat," so this has resulted in the F4F Wildcat, F6F Hellcat, F7F Tigercat, F8F Bearcat, and F-14 Tomcat. Other companies like Boeing use "strato" and "fortress."

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 7
Question

First military aircraft used the abbreviation 'BE'. What does this stand for?

Michael Crescenzo

Community Answer

Multiple designations means there are multiple uses, BE meaning a Bomber with extensive electronic equipment.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
Question

What does "P" in P-38 stand for, if "B" is for Bomber and "F" is for Fighter?

BlokPlaysGames

Community Answer

"P" stands for Pursuit, which was the predecessor to the fighter class. For example, the P-51 was the 51st "Pursuit" class fighter developed. The term "Pursuit" reflects the role of intercepting and pursuing bombers.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

What does AC-130 stand for?

BlokPlaysGames

Community Answer

The AC-130 is a modified C-130 cargo aircraft. The "A" stands for ground Attack, as it has been retrofitted with cannons and standoff munitions to provide air support to friendly ground units.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Why is the Prowler designated EA instead of just E?

BlokPlaysGames

Community Answer

EA stands for Electronic Attack, meaning it is specially modified for offensive missions involving electronics, as opposed to an aircraft that only has an E designation, which would not have a specific specialization.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

What does F/A mean?

Thomas Kumar Raethel

Community Answer

In the context of fighter jets, F/A stands for Fighter/Attack. In commercial aviation, it stands for Flight Attendant.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0