Questions tagged [aircraft-naming]
For questions about the name and/or number designation of aircraft.
16
questions
5
votes
2answers
223 views
What were/are the military designations of the JT8D and PW4000?
Turbine engines on U.S. military aircraft, in addition to their manufacturer-given names, receive separate designations (consisting of J [for turbojets], F [for turbofans; formerly TF], or T [for ...
5
votes
1answer
812 views
Does the Cessna 152 have a name?
I'm wondering if the Cessna 152 has a name? There's the Cessna Skyhawk 172 and the Cessna Skylane 182.
1
vote
1answer
214 views
Why is it common to speak of "Concorde" rather than "the Concorde"?
Suppose you researching a book on the history of Boeing B-17.
Suppose you researching a book on the history of the Boeing B-17.
Which of those sentences sounds more complete and correct?
OK, so ...
4
votes
0answers
255 views
Are the terms "Aircraft Version" and "Aircraft Variant" synonyms?
Related to the answer of the following question:
How are evolution and variants of aircraft considered by certification authorities?
Are the terms "Aircraft Version" and "Aircraft Variant" synonyms? ...
13
votes
1answer
2k views
What does the letter E signify for the E-3 AWACS?
I came across the E-3 AWACS aircraft with the designation E-3, I could not find what the letter E means in E-3.
9
votes
2answers
3k views
How are military jets given official names?
How is a military jet given a nickname? Does the manufacturer name the plane? For example, did Lockheed Martin name the Raptor (F-22) and Lightning II (F-35)?
9
votes
1answer
858 views
Is there a reason or code behind the Cessna model numbers?
Is there a story behind how Cessna model numbers were created?
E.g., models 170, 172, 180, 182, 206, 310, 336, etc.
2
votes
2answers
281 views
Which country started the tradition of naming aircraft?
I'm doing a project on the Enola Gay and I wondered which country started the tradition of naming aircraft?
2
votes
1answer
597 views
How does the NATO code name system work, are they just random names, or is there some sort of rule(s)?
When an aircraft is designated a NATO code name, are there a certain rule(s) that contribute to the naming of an aircraft.
7
votes
1answer
6k views
How are military aircraft numbered?
Can someone describe the numbering system used by the military and how it has changed over the years? I know that there are fighter aircraft such as the F-15, F-16, F-22, etc but why are there ...
13
votes
2answers
3k views
Why did Boeing choose to give the Boeing 720 such a designation?
The Boeing 720 was a modification of the Boeing 707. Why was it given the unusual number of "720" instead of a "707-xxx" or "7x7" designation?
2
votes
1answer
247 views
Why was the Boeing SST numbered "2707"?
Boeing worked its Supersonic Transport (Boeing SST 2707) design in the 1960s. They gave it the number "2707". Why was this aircraft given that number? Did it have some significant inside-Boeing ...
25
votes
5answers
8k views
Was the intended purpose of the F-117 Nighthawk originally a stealth-fighter?
Based on this question, I learned that the F and A-Letters in the naming of (military) aircraft reflects what their intended purpose is.
A: Attack (Air-to-ground)
F: Fighter (Air-to-air)
their names ...
16
votes
3answers
3k views
Why isn't the F-15E called F/A-15?
In my understanding, "F" stands for "fighter" (air-to-air) and "A" for "attack" (air-to-ground). E.g.,
the F/A-18 Hornet can attack air and ground targets, which is why it's called F/A-18.
the A-10 ...
-4
votes
2answers
275 views
Why is the C-xx aircraft series used by multiple manufacturers?
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super
Hercules
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Cessna C172
Unlike A and B, why is C used by various manufacturers? Are there any copyrights for such alphabets used in aircraft ...
13
votes
3answers
4k views
Why do certain airlines give names to their aircraft?
That is the case for aircraft operated by e.g. KLM. Some aircraft are named after birds, some after cities. Is that common for other airlines as well or something that only KLM does?
