Questions tagged [aircraft-naming]
For questions about the name and/or number designation of aircraft.
16
questions
5
votes
2
answers
320
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
1
answer
1k
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
1
answer
217
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
0
answers
290
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
1
answer
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
2
answers
4k
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
1
answer
1k
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
2
answers
286
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
1
answer
604
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
1
answer
7k
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 ...
14
votes
2
answers
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
1
answer
251
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
5
answers
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
3
answers
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
2
answers
277
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
3
answers
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?