Aviation

Questions tagged [aircraft-naming]

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For questions about the name and/or number designation of aircraft.

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4
votes
1answer
335 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
195 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
199 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
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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
2k 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
421 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.
1
vote
1answer
201 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? Thanks
2
votes
1answer
564 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
3k 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
222 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
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5answers
7k 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 ...
16
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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 ...